Ector Hoogstad Architecten to design new Physics and Chemistry building of University of Groningen

The University of Groningen has selected Rotterdam architectural firm Ector Hoogstad Architecten (EHA) to design its new Physics and Chemistry building. The new building will replace the current complex at Nijenborgh 4. Construction work of the long term project on the Zernike Complex will begin in 2015. After the Bernoulliborg and Linnaeusborg buildings, this will be the third new building for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The new building of about 41,000 square metres is one of the bigger construction projects of the Netherlands and will house some 1400 students and 850 staff members. Alongside offices and teaching rooms, the building will also provide a wide range of specific laboratories, such as physics, chemistry and low-vibration labs.

“We chose Ector Hoogstad Architecten, because they have a lot of experience with similar complex projects and we believe that this firm and their clear vision matches our ideas and methods”, said Rien van Uitert, project manager and engineer for the University of Groningen.

Groningen to benefit from design expertise
Ector Hoogstad Architecten has extensive experience with similar complex projects. Their previous projects include the science faculties for the University of Twente and the TU Delft, and the recently opened Orion Building for Wageningen University. “We are very proud to be given the opportunity to bring our expertise in designing complex university buildings with lab space to the University of Groningen’, said Joost Ector, architect and partner at EHA . ‘Together with the other partners we will ensure a beautiful, pleasant and functional building, where top teaching and research in the fields of Physics and Chemistry can be realized. In cooperation with the other construction advisors we will introduce smart solutions to meet specific technical challenges in the field of vibration, climate and security.”

BREEAM Very Good at the very least
The new building promises to be very sustainable. The key focus is on a flexible and future-proof building, the use of long-life materials and a low environmental burden. The aim is to achieve the BREEAM-NL Very Good level at the very least.