Redevelopment Hugo R. Kruyt Building

Afbeelding Kruytgebouw

The Hugo R. Kruyt Building is located in the Utrecht Science Park and was built in the early 1970s. This young monument consists of four wings with a central core and has nine floors, making it a striking feature on the campus.

Redevelopment of the Hugo R. Kruyt Building Moves a Step Closer

The Hugo R. Kruyt Building is a step closer to a large-scale redevelopment. The Executive Board recently approved the project's initiation phase, releasing the necessary project budget. This allows the project to be further developed.

Since the 2022 decision to redevelop the Kruyt Building, a vision for the building has been developed, and various feasibility studies have been conducted. Due to its physical construction properties, the Kruyt Building is highly suitable as a research facility for the Faculty of Science. It is vibration-free, has high ceilings, and there are spacious shafts at regular intervals. These are desirable features for a building where experimental research takes place. The Kruyt Building is prominently located in the Utrecht Science Park. Along with the buildable pockets between the wings, it lends itself to becoming an iconic structure distinguished by its sustainability, flexibility, and appearance. The recently awarded monumental status is a key consideration in the design process.

Unimpeded Research

The redevelopment of the Kruyt Building is a substantial project. The remediation, demolition, and construction will cause disruption to the adjacent buildings. Therefore, a suitable solution must be found for the research taking place in Bloembergen and NPEC. The aim is to secure the construction flow while allowing the research to continue. The Real Estate & Campus Directorate is currently working with the Faculty of Science to find the most suitable solution.

Planning

The indicative planning of this project is linked to the arrival of the Transition Building (on the site of the former Earth Sciences Building) and the renovation of the ‘SL2’ building on Sorbonnelaan. These two locations must temporarily house the research from the Kruyt Building, allowing it to be redeveloped. For now, it appears that the Kruyt Building can begin its transformation from 2028 onwards.