The renovation of three student housing complexes on Campuslaan at the University of Twente has officially begun. The iconic buildings in yellow, blue, and green are undergoing a major upgrade. Residents of the first building to be renovated, Campuslaan 59–65, symbolically handed over the key to Ons Verbond. This marks a special milestone, as it signals the start of renovations on the second complex type within the broader ‘Campus Upgrade’ initiative
The Campus Upgrade
The renovation of Campuslaan Hoog is part of the Campus Upgrade, a large-scale renovation project in which Veste Wonen is renewing a total of 1,100 student residences. It’s a comprehensive effort to make the campus more future-proof and sustainable. The Campus Upgrade is being carried out by construction consortium Ons Verbond, which consists of four contractors: Trebbe, Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo, Ter Steege, and Oude Wolbers. The consortium is joining forces to renovate and make more sustainable over 1,100 student homes. The upgrade includes Calslaan Oud, Campuslaan Hoog, and the Pyramids & Mastabas on Witbreuksweg and Matenweg.
Renovation of 205 Student rooms
The work on Campuslaan Hoog is being coordinated by Dura Vermeer as the main contractor. A total of 205 student rooms across three buildings will be renovated. The homes will be made gas-free by connecting them to a district heating network. The building envelope will be fully insulated. Students will cook using electricity. Kitchens, shower rooms, and toilets will be modernized. On the exterior, façades will be cleaned and masonry joints repaired. The primary colors will largely disappear. To meet residents’ wishes, a subtle color element will be added to house numbers or mailboxes.
Focus on residents and nature
During the residents’ meeting, Veste Wonen and Ons Verbond presented the renovation plans and paid special attention to preserving the characteristic interior murals. These personal student histories will be kept intact as much as possible during the renovation. During resident meetings, it was determined what should be included in the renovation and what should remain unchanged.
The residents have now moved to temporary housing on Witbreuksweg, with support from Ons Verbond and Veste Wonen. The moving day went smoothly and pleasantly. Residents actively collaborated with each other and with Ons Verbond to ensure a smooth transition. Thanks to close contact with tenants and joint preparation, the relocation was completed efficiently.
Nature also plays a central role in the Campus Upgrade. Bats will be provided with new habitats. Temporary bat boxes have already been installed, and permanent facilities will follow on chalets, towers, and rooftops.
A step closer to a sustainable campus
With the start of renovations on Campuslaan, we are one step closer to a renewed and sustainable campus. The Campus Upgrade began in 2024 at Calslaan Oud, where Ter Steege and Oude Wolbers are acting as main contractors. Four buildings have already been renovated at this complex type on Campuslaan, resulting in 144 upgraded student residences.
The Pyramids and Mastabas form the final complex type within the Campus Upgrade. These seven Pyramids and seven Mastabas together comprise 679 student units and will be renovated by Trebbe. All buildings within the Campus Upgrade are being prepared for the future: more comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable. The Campus Upgrade is expected to be completed by 2029.