Students complex Benten by DUWO

On plot B2 in Kenniskwartier (Knowledge District), a residential complex with housing for students is being built next to The Pulse of Amsterdam. The building, named Benten, will be up to 30 m in height and include 127 student homes varying in size from 18 to 24 sq. m, including a number of non-independent rental properties with communal kitchens. The name Benten is inspired by the Japanese goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art, and happiness, and fits the character of the Kenniskwartier perfectly. A meaningful name for a project that will soon offer living space to students.

In the design by Mei Architects we see a lot of green and the use of rich materials, including ceramics and bamboo. The building will have a shared meeting and study space, a laundry and a bicycle shed. A commercial space of approximately 150 square meters in the plinth will provide extra liveliness.

High construction productivity

Benten is one of the fastest developments in the Zuidas. This is because the contractor Plegt-Vos utilizes industrial construction. This means that the Benten residential building will soon consist of various components that are produced in advance in Plegt-Vos’ Slimme Huizenfabriek (Smart Home Factory).

Furthermore, the work is largely robotized. As a result, productivity increases significantly; the robots simply continue working during breaks and outside working hours. This allows construction to proceed much faster. Using the traditional method, the construction of Benten would take about a year and a half; now, the building is being erected in 12 months.

Schedule

• Provisional design: 2023
• Definitive design: 2024
• Start of construction: early 2026
• Completion: first quarter 2027

Realisation