Renovation important for making Campus Woudestein more sustainable
Improvement of education and research facilities and new facilities for executive programmes
Commissioned by Heerkens van Bavel Bouw, Powered by EGM is responsible for the development and engineering of the Technical Design and Construction-Ready Design. In doing so, it contributes to future-proofing this municipal heritage building from 1968, originally designed by architect Cornelis Elffers. The design for the renovation was developed by Cepezed.
Healthy and sustainable
For decades, the Tinbergen Building accommodated hundreds of students and researchers from EUR. In recent years, however, the building no longer met current technical and functional requirements. The large-scale renovation addresses these shortcomings, including through the implementation of modern building services that contribute to a healthy indoor climate and more efficient energy use (energy consumption for heating and cooling will be reduced by 60 to 80%). Key elements include energy-efficient installations, smart ventilation solutions and the integration of 260 bifacial solar panels on the roof. The renovated building therefore meets the highest sustainability standards and has been awarded the BREEAM-NL ‘Outstanding’ design certificate.
We are not just building a building here, but creating a place where new perspectives emerge
Ellen van Schoten, Vice president CvB Erasmus University Rotterdam
Comfortable and safe
The renovation called for creative solutions in the areas of fire safety and comfort. Powered by EGM, together with DGMR and IMd, developed the fire safety concept, taking the building’s heritage status into account. The use of fire-resistant compartments and smoke-control solutions has raised the building’s safety and functionality to a higher level, without compromising the design.
Integration of new functions
A striking addition to the building is the glass rooftop extension on the nineteenth floor. Powered by EGM ensures that the extension is technically well integrated with the existing structure, with particular attention to energy efficiency, acoustics and comfort. The new space will accommodate executive programmes and a restaurant. The views over Rotterdam will be spectacular. Prof. Dr Patrick Groenen, Dean of the Erasmus School of Economics, says: “for many of us, this building is much more than concrete and steel. It is a place filled with memories, encounters and academic life.”
Result
Following the renovation, the Tinbergen Building will provide modern and flexible office and educational spaces that meet current requirements for comfort, functionality, sustainability and safety. The project contributes to Erasmus University Rotterdam’s ambition to become one of the most sustainable universities in the Netherlands. The building is expected to reopen its doors to students, staff and visitors in summer 2027.
Impressions ©cepezed