Johann's Student Dormitories

The Technical University of Utrecht, founded in 1636, is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. Traditionally, it ranks among the top hundred universities in the world. With a student population of 32,000, it is also among the largest schools in Europe. The entire university cannot fit into the city of three hundred thousand residents, which is why since the 1990s, a neighborhood called De Uithof has been developed on the eastern edge of Utrecht, where a large campus with five major faculties and a science park is located. The university campus features dozens of buildings designed by renowned Dutch architects. In addition to the three student residences (Cambridgelaan, De Bisschoppen, Casa Confetti) with a total capacity of 2,000 beds, a new dormitory named Johanna was added before the start of last academic year, offering accommodation for 655 students.
Haiko Meijer from the Onix studio compares his design to a 'student cloud, where very dynamic life takes place'. The facade made of blue and white glazed tiles aims to 'bring the clouds within reach' for the students. The ceramic tiles were produced at Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum, one of the oldest ceramics manufacturers in the Netherlands. The stepped shape additionally allowed for the creation of large communal terraces on the 1st, 6th, and 11th floors. The dormitory offers 381 rooms measuring 16 m² (233 rooms are empty and 148 rooms are furnished). The rooms are grouped in units of 4-6, sharing a kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. Additionally, the dormitory also features 274 bachelor apartments of 24 m² (these rooms are unfurnished but have their own hygiene facilities and kitchenette).