Hydra Utrecht

A special feature of Hydra Utrecht is the incorporation of nature into the urban environment that is inherent to building on a brownfield. Nature-inclusive features were given a fundamental role in the design, which created a strong relationship with the immediate environment - a pleasant destination, combined with inviting architecture that contributes to biodiversity.

The sprinkler tank, an innovative nature-inclusive statement, positioned centrally on the property, functions as the largest permanent insect hotel in Europe. Water management was also an essential topic within Hydra Utrecht. We significantly improved water management for people and animals in this project, contributing to climate-resilient area for local residents.

As an ecologist, I am involved in the development of the Stellar Development destinations. From an ecological perspective, I will explain what happens when you put up a huge building, and then what it takes to embrace nature. Take the function of the ivy, for example. It is a plant that you can easily grow against a façade and is a nice green solution for an architect, as well as having great ecological value for insects. But the way you do it is crucial. For the growth and maintenance of ivy, a good basis needs to be established in order to provide adequate shelter and nesting opportunities for birds. The installed bat boxes should have enough space and be accessible, vegetation should not cause any hindrance here. The bats will soon benefit from the insects that come to the ivy.

Being an architectural builder Heembouw has the perfect starting position to carefully select building materials at an early stage. That choice positively impacts the MPG score - Dutch government’s tool to measure the environmental impact of materials used in the construction. Typically this is used for homes and office buildings, but we are introducing this to our destinations too, resulting in actively lowering its carbon footprint.
As an example, at Hydra Utrecht, we reuse concrete and masonry rubble, which contributes to the improved MPG score, among other things. The government’s MPG standard is 1.0, the Hydra Utrecht destination without solar panels and energy supply comes out to 0.56. That’s 44% below the norm. A wonderful achievement in sustainability.

Electric car charging points are provided at the parking areas for users and visitors, entirely powered by sustainably generated energy and available to everyone. These parking areas are constructed of semi-paved surfaces and accompanied by various types of native plants, shrubs and trees. The entire building is equipped with LED lighting. The rows of LED lights in the aisles are equipped with presence detection sensors, eliminating wasted active hours. With a roof area of nearly 20,000 m², nearly 1,000 households can be supplied with electricity after installation of optional solar panels.