Distinctive Entrance building WUR (NL)

Wageningen University Research reception building

Place	Bleiswijk, NL
Realisation	2025/2026
Type	SP Small Span
Surface	3.120 m²
Purpose	Main entrance to the WUR high-tech research centre

A future-proof reception building that brings innovation, collaboration and research together.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) wanted a distinctive entrance building that reflects its position as a global leader in agricultural innovation while providing a sustainable, multifunctional space for meeting, collaboration and knowledge exchange. Following the successful completion of the design phase, Smiemans was also commissioned to build this landmark reception building for WUR's new high-tech research centre in Bleiswijk.

Energy-efficient and future-proof building

The 3,120 m² building will feature multiple floors with reception, meeting, office and work facilities. Its striking glass entrance creates an open and welcoming environment that immediately reflects the innovative character of the research centre. Sustainability is integrated throughout the project, including solar panels and a heat pump with underground thermal energy storage, ensuring an energy-efficient and future-proof building for decades to come.

WUR entrance building research center University

Versatile construction with glass entrance

The building, with a total area of 3,120m², will feature multi-story floors. It will be a multifunctional space, combining storage as well as meeting and work facilities. The height of the Venlo construction is 7.20 meters high. The building is characterised by a unique glass entrance that immediately gives visitors a sense of innovation and future orientation.

Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient

Sustainability plays a central role in this project. The complex will be equipped with solar panels and a heat pump with underground thermal storage, contributing to the environmentally friendly and energy-efficient operation of the research centre.

Inside entrance buiding WUR Horti Science

WUR's high-tech research centre

The start of construction of the high-tech research centre for WUR is planned for the end of this year. The first research projects in the new complex will start later this year, completion in 2026. This will allow Wageningen University & Research to conduct groundbreaking research using the latest materials and technologies.

Similair projects

The building's angled glass facades resembles the rooftop greenhouse Agrotopia, Europe's largest research centre for urban food production. Smiemans was on the design team with Van Bergen Kolpa Architecten, among others. Since its opening, Agrotopia has won several prestigious design awards. Another example of an entrance building we have realised, is the World Horti Center.