The HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht has chosen the SPARK consortium, a combination of BESIX and Strukton Worksphere, to erect its new building on the site of the Bolognalaan car park in Utrecht.

This efficient, flexible and sustainable building with a surface area of around 22,000 m2 has been designed by renowned Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Machiels Building Solutions will deliver the whole façade of timber-frame construction components, including ready-supplied joinery (prefitted at the production plant), in summer 2017. Anodised aluminium cladding will then be applied to the timber. The BIM-based design means that efficient cooperation between the various parties is guaranteed.

The new building will be rated 'Excellent' on the BREEAM scale, not only on completion but also during use. BREEAM, standing for 'Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method', is an international tool for measuring and assessing the overall sustainability of new and existing buildings, sites and demolition projects.