WOONTOREN DE VERKENNER

Sleek, cantilevered balconies in Holland

Build Year

2015

Architect

Mei Architects

Entrepreneur

Era Contour

Engineer

Pieters Bouwtechniek b.v.

A 50-METER HIGH RESIDENTIAL TOWER

In Utrecht, Holland, stands Woontoren De Verkenner – an impressive 50-meter high residential building designed by Mei Architects and Planners. The development comprises 71 private rental apartments on the upper floors, 15 homes for young adults with autism, and 9 live-work units on the ground floor.

On the south side of the building, as many apartments as possible have outdoor spaces. To ensure optimal daylight for residents, the balconies are made of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), as thin as 7 mm. From these balconies, residents can enjoy stunning views of the city.

SLEEK AND LARGE BALCONIES IN UHPC

Woontoren De Verkenner is the first construction project with cantilevered balconies extending three meters. The balconies are cast in light Ultra High Performance Concrete CRC i2® with a thickness of 70 mm at the front edge. The light CRC i2® is mixed with yellow pigment to match the facade's appearance.

Typically, the finish of the undersides of balconies and walkways in the area is not given much attention, which is noticeable to passersby. Therefore, a facade finish under the balconies and walkways has been prioritized, resulting in a very inviting and well-thought-out building.

In 2017, the project was nominated for a Concrete Award in Holland.