Frequently Asked Questions about the construction of the Transition Building
The answers to the questions with an asterisk * have been updated on 10 March 2026.
The construction of the Transition Building ('The Bridge'), the former Earth Sciences Building (between the Koningsberger and Buys Ballot buildings), has started. First, modifications will be made to the current structure, followed by the addition of two new floors. The aim is for the institutes from the Kruyt Building to be able to move in here from the end of 2027.
When construction work is being carried out, it is inevitable that we will unfortunately experience some disruption. The contractor will take exams into account and will refrain from using certain equipment during those hours in order to prevent disruption. Agreements will be made not only around exam times, but also around vibration-sensitive research.
This page contains answers to frequently asked questions. If your question and answer are not listed here, please contact huisvesting.beta@uu.nl.
On 2 February 2026 the project officially commenced with the setup of the construction site. During this initial phase, the site was levelled and construction fencing with sliding gates were installed to safely enclose the area.
In addition, site installations were put in place, including underground cables, ring systems for rainwater drainage, and earthing installations. This will be followed by the installation of stelcon slabs—large concrete plates that provide a stable, load-bearing surface for construction traffic, machinery, and temporary routes on the site. A crash deck will then be constructed as a scaffolding structure.
By the end of February, the site compound will also be installed. This consists of temporary construction units with offices, break areas, and sanitary facilities for construction staff and serves as the central operational hub of the construction site. After this, the site will be fully operational.
From mid-February onwards, the first cutting and demolition activities have begun, preceded by the installation of extensive safety measures. These include the placement of stair towers for vertical access, installation of edge protection, and the careful covering and securing of openings. A goods lift will also be installed to support the demolition work. Demolition is necessary in order to enable proper reuse of the existing structural frame.
The following activities are planned:
Week 8
- Erection of scaffolding on the south side and in the passage from the Koningsberger Building (KBG) up to the second floor
→ From this point onwards, the bicycle parking entrance between KBG and The Bridge will be closed
→ Internal closure within KBG on the first floor (see image below)
Week 9 -15
- Demolition activities
→ Removal of screed floors and other demolition work
→ Disturbance is to be expected, mainly noise and possibly some vibrations
Campus users will notice that the construction site is being fenced off and prepared. During the demolition and construction phase, there may be noise, vibrations and dust, and in some periods adjusted walking routes or temporary detours may be in place.
In the weeks from 2 March to 22 March, the following activities will take place:
- Removal of screed floors on the 3rd and 2nd floors;
- Cutting and pouring of floor openings, as well as reinforcement and concrete works;
- Further preparation of the construction site.
During the removal of the screed floors, noise disturbance is expected. These activities will continue until the end of March. The cutting work will also produce noise, but at a lower level than the removal of the screed floors. The other activities will not cause noise or vibration disturbance.
If you experience significant disturbance, please keep windows closed as much as possible to reduce the noise indoors. If possible, consider working from home more frequently, or moving to a workspace where the noise level is lower. In some cases, this may mean using a workspace on the opposite side of the building or in a nearby building. In addition, BBG users can make use of the Caroline Bleeker alternative workspaces, and HFG users may be able to work in part of the VM-A building.
Exams during the examination weeks of blocks 3 and 4 will take place in KBG as scheduled. No activities that produce noise or vibrations will take place during these weeks.
Exams scheduled outside these weeks have been relocated to other locations.
Practical classes in the KBG laboratories will continue as scheduled. The contractor has been informed and will adjust the work planning accordingly.
Yes, within the planning several peak periods can be identified. See the answer above to the question “What will staff and students in the Northwest Cluster notice when construction begins?” This information will be updated regularly.
To limit the impact, activities that generate higher levels of noise or vibrations are scheduled and grouped together as much as possible. Transport movements are spread throughout the day and coordinated with quieter moments on campus. Temporary traffic measures are coordinated in advance with campus management, while access for emergency services will always be ensured.
The start of construction marks an important step in the relocation of institutes within the Faculty of Science. The Transition Building will provide temporary, suitable accommodation for, among others, the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB), part of the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute (PSI). This relocation enables the renovation of the Hugo R. Kruyt Building.
As such, the construction represents a crucial phase in the faculty’s broader housing programme.
During the construction period, the bicycle parking under the Koningsberger Building must be accessed via a different route. Cyclists should approach from the Leuvenlaan and use the cycle path between the Minnaert Building and the Bleeker Building.
The access route from Leuvenlaan along the front of the Koningsberger Building is closed because it falls within the construction area. Cycling around the Freudenthal Building is not recommended, as this may create unsafe traffic situations due to construction traffic.
At present, careful assessments are being carried out to identify any potential bottlenecks related to laboratories and research facilities that are sensitive to vibrations, noise, dust, or disruptions to continuity.
Where bottlenecks are identified, solutions will be sought in consultation with the parties involved. Where possible, alternative working methods or adjusted phasing will be applied to reduce vibration and noise. Dust generation will be limited through source extraction, misting systems, and screened work zones. Logistical routes and storage areas will be arranged in such a way that critical functions and installations are not obstructed.
As soon as more information becomes available, it will be shared here.
The Transition Building will be realised using the existing concrete structural frame of the former Earth Sciences Building. Reusing this structure will save more than 1.4 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions compared to complete demolition and new construction.
In addition, the building will be connected to Utrecht University’s thermal energy storage external link system (WKO – heat and cold storage), and the design aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. This internationally recognised certification demonstrates a very high level of sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental performance.
These choices align with the ambitions of Utrecht University and Kadans to build in a sustainable and circular manner.
A construction site layout drawing has been made available, showing the site setup and logistical routes. This drawing helps campus users gain a better understanding of the situation during construction.
