Eindhoven's Campus Expands: 735 New Student Homes Ready for August Move-In
Eindhoven, Friday, 19 July 2024.
TU Eindhoven’s campus is set to welcome 800 students to newly completed housing. The project, featuring two 50-meter towers and a low-rise village, addresses the region’s growing need for student accommodation. This expansion supports Brainport’s talent attraction efforts.
A Strategic Expansion
The development, known as the Haven plan, consists of two residential towers, Castor and Pollux, and a student village called Terra. Castor tower comprises 278 student homes, while Pollux offers 371 homes. Both towers stand 50 meters high with 16 floors each. The student village Terra adds 86 homes spread over five streets, specifically designed for group living. These additions collectively provide housing for approximately 800 students from TU Eindhoven, Fontys, and Summa[1].
Enhancing Student Life
The new housing aims to create a close-knit community with meeting places for social interactions to prevent loneliness. Students actively participated in the construction plans and management of the buildings. This involvement ensures that the housing meets the needs and expectations of its residents[2]. The project also includes a new water storage system, the Blauwe Loper, promoting well-being and sustainability alongside the residential towers[1].
A Boost for the Brainport Region
Patrick Groothuis, TU/e vice president, emphasized the importance of this expansion for the Brainport region. The new housing significantly enhances the supply of affordable and pleasant student accommodations, attracting the talent needed in the region. Groothuis noted that although the university cannot directly invest in student housing, partnerships through the Student Housing Covenant have made this development possible[2].
Future Plans and Community Impact
Woonbedrijf, the owner of the new housing, aims to create a safe and affordable living environment that fosters student growth and development. The collaboration with Heijmans for construction ensured the project’s completion within a short time frame, utilizing prefabrication techniques. As the first keys were handed over to students Merijn Savelkoul and Femke Kusters, the sense of community and excitement was palpable[1]. Looking forward, Groothuis expressed confidence in building an additional 500 new homes per year to meet the ongoing demand for student accommodation in the region[2].
Community and Sustainability
The construction of the student towers also emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency, aligning with TU Eindhoven’s overall goal of providing high-quality, affordable housing for students. The towers, named after figures from Greek mythology, reflect a blend of historical and modern elements. This thoughtful design aims to enhance the campus experience, creating a vibrant living and learning environment for students[4].