02 Bridge transitiegebouw utrecht cepezed

the bridge utrecht

clients(s)

Universiteit Utrecht

location

utrecht

users(s)

Instituut voor Biodynamica en Biocomplexiteit (IBB), Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB) & Bijvoet Centrum

Kadans Science Partner is developing a circular laboratory building at Utrecht Science Park. The foundation for The Bridge is the existing structure of the former Earth Sciences building. Despite a significant increase in functionality, the building remains compact, with just two additional floors and two extensions providing the necessary space. One of these extensions is a vertical greenhouse in the courtyard, creating a light, open connection between floors. For added materials—such as the greenhouse’s supporting structure—wood has been chosen, offering a beautiful contrast to the existing concrete while reinforcing the sustainability ambitions of Kadans, cepezed, and Utrecht University.

Cepezed

Lucas van der Wee

from laboratory to laboratory

The Earth Sciences building was already partially designed for laboratory use, with ideal grid layouts and shaft positioning. The new design approach focuses on minimising demolition and maximising reuse. The tenants for the first eight years are already known, with the Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB), and part of the Bijvoet Centre. Their current home, the Kruyt building, will undergo renovation during this period. Afterward, The Bridge will transform into a multi-tenant laboratory building similar to previous Plus Ultra Buildings, Kadans’ lab-building concept.

specialised and efficient design

Thanks to cepezed’s "kit of parts" method, construction will progress rapidly, with an expected move-in date of October 2027. The total floor area will double to 20,000 square meters, with 30% dedicated to offices and the rest to standard laboratories. Specialised labs, including growth chambers, aquariums, and vibration-free, light-controlled environments, will be housed on the lower floors. At the same time, the ground floor façade remains as open as possible, offering visibility into the building’s activities and housing shared functions such as meeting rooms, a restaurant, a garden, the greenhouse, and pantry’s. The interior design encourages collaboration, ensuring that The Bridge truly connects its users.

Cepezed

Cepezed

proven sustainability

The new façade levels integrate solar panels, with additional panels on the roof—all part of the goal to achieve an energy-neutral building, despite its laboratory function. Retaining the existing concrete structure will save over 1.4 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions compared to new construction. Utrecht University aims for a BREEAM Excellent certification, with The Bridge connected to the university’s Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES). Rainwater will be collected in a wadi, accessible via a boardwalk leading to the main entrance. Additionally, a new public passage for cyclists and pedestrians runs through the building, linking to the sustainability cluster of the campus—further embedding The Bridge in the social fabric of this area.