In the presence of students, staff and project partners, this event commemorated a special milestone in circular and future-oriented construction. The time capsule contains photos of the current era and expectations and wishes of employees for the future of research and education; A capsule that symbolizes the bridge between generations and the sustainable ambitions of this project.
"Together with Heijmans, SPIE and all’other partners in the project, we are building an attractive, future-proof building for top research and education in Delft," says Prof. Paulien Herder , Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft.
Academic research within Physics is characterised by a high degree of dynamics: on average, about 10-15% of scientific research changes every year. The building and its installations must therefore be able to be adapted quickly and at limited cost to new housing issues from the research field. For this purpose, a laboratory design has been devised, which is based on a certain standardization of a laboratory: the so-called lab stamp. The following lab categories are housed in Physics: Cryostat labs, Microscopy labs, Laser labs, Biolabs and combinations of these.
Circular concrete as a foundation
Heijmans is carrying out the work in collaboration with SPIE as Bouwcombinatie Physics. Together, they are building an innovative and energy-efficient building that strengthens both the academic community and the living environment. Physics will thus not only become a place for fundamental research, but also a paragon of circular building practice.Physics is built with reclaimed concrete, for example from the former Logistics and Environment building of TU Delft, which used to stand at this location. This is called ’concrete harvest’. This approach saves raw materials, reduces CO2 emissions and extends the lifespan of materials.
Smart building for the future
In mid-2023, following a tender procedure, TU Delft awarded Heijmans the contract for the new Physics building. Heijmans subsequently entered into a construction partnership with SPIE. The assignment consists of developing the final design into a technical design and immediately afterwards the implementation. The implementation phase has now officially begun. Sustainability played an important role in the tender. TU Delft’s ambition is to be a CO2-neutral, circular and climate-adaptive campus by 2030. In the coming years, TU Delft Campus South will be further developed into a lively environment with new high-quality facilities for research and education, where meeting, collaboration and innovation are stimulated.For more information, check the virtual tour and follow TU Delft Campus
An attractive, future-proof building for top research and education in Delft