Wonderwoods
A vertical forest in the heart of Utrecht
Wonderwoods, the tallest green building in the Netherlands, is a multifunctional complex with 80,000 square meters of residential and office space, developed by G&S. Located in the new center area Beurskwartier in Utrecht, Wonderwoods forms a green oasis amid the high-city landscape. As the first completed project in Utrecht's Beurskwartier, Wonderwoods is nearing completion. With two towers of 104 and 70 meters high, respectively, the complex offers one hectare of vertical forest and several rooftop and interior gardens. Wonderwoods, located on the corner of Jaarbeursboulevard and Croeselaan, was designed by Milan-based architects Stefano Boeri Architetti and Amsterdam-based MVSA Architects.
Green tower
The collaboration between two leading architectural firms is evident in the green towers, with attention to detail and the use of warm, sustainable materials that blend seamlessly. This project, called “Wonderwoods,” is considered both an urban building and a complex ecosystem.
The Italian architectural firm is responsible for the tallest tower, integrating trees into the design and using prefabricated building systems to reduce the ecological footprint. The precast building components are installed with precision on site, including tree and planters with integrated irrigation systems and water storage crates, manufactured by Westo, one of the VolkerWessels companies.
The Dutch architectural firm is responsible for the design of the other tower, which has a height of 70 meters and is characterized by lots of glass, allowing the interior and roof gardens to be visible from outside.
“Wonderwoods” has been hailed as an exemplary project for densifying cities with a mixed-use building that contributes to the well-being of visitors, residents, workers and the environment.
Green is the core value
A green oasis will be created in the newly developed area. The balconies and facades of the buildings will be planted with a vertical forest, inspired by the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. This initiative will bring as many as 75,000 flowers and shrubs, some 30 different animal species and 300 trees to the heart of Utrecht's city center. The area will be car-free and an eco- and water buffer system will be implemented under Wonderwoods, which will collect rainwater from the buildings and phase out up to 150,000 liters of water. Royal Ginkel Group is responsible for the realization and long-term maintenance of a total of one hectare of green space at Wonderwoods.
These initiatives show how Wonderwoods connects to the core value of the Utrecht municipality: Healthy Urban Living. Alderman Eelco Eerenberg of Spatial Planning emphasizes, “Wonderwoods marks a new phase in the transformation of the Beurskwartier. This building brings life, quality, allure and dynamism! The combination of residential towers with restaurants, a museum and over 400 rental and owner-occupied homes for different target groups offers Utrechters the chance to live in a green part of the city center. The presence of green contributes to a healthier living environment, and that is exactly what this project promotes. Wonderwoods fits in seamlessly with the concept of a healthy city life.
About Wonderwoods
Wonderwoods has been named best Mixed-Use project in the Netherlands on behalf of the European Property Awards. The project is being realized by Bouwcombinatie Wonderwoods, consisting of Boele & van Eesteren and Kondor Wessels Amsterdam. The building will be completed in phases starting in the summer of 2024. All apartments in both towers have been sold. A few penthouses are still available. The rental apartments and offices are owned by ASR Dutch Core Residential Fund and ASR Dutch Mobility Office Fund, which will start leasing the apartments from 2024. Tenants for the offices include Spaces and Eurail. For museum Nowhere, work is underway to realize new artworks in Utrecht. The planned completion of the museum is mid-2025.
