12/05/2026
“A mock-up shows you how everything comes together.”
For the transformation of Utrecht Central Plaza, we designed a new façade – using ceramic elements which were developed specifically for this project, and which are combined with a new façade system. To understand exactly how this would work in reality, we decided to create a full-scale mock-up.
This allowed us to see how the material, the fittings and the detailing come together – and that is knowledge you cannot find in rendering, as can also be read in the interview given by project architect Martijn de Visser in this month’s edition of Bouwwereld.
Utrecht Central Plaza is the redevelopment of Hojel City Center II, one of the large office complexes on the Jaarbeursplein. The building is now being sustainably renovated, modernised and expanded, and made ‘Paris-Proof’. To give the office building a contemporary look, we have replaced the existing flat curtain wall with a new, richly detailed façade, featuring the ceramic elements in a warm red-copper colour.
An additional benefit of this new façade is that this also significantly improves the building’s energy performance. The building will meet very high sustainability standards: BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold and Energy Label A++++. This sustainable character is also reflected in the future occupant: at the end of 2026, ASN Bank will move into the renovated building.
I.c.w.: Ten Brinke, Van der Vorm Engineering, DWA, ISIS bouwadvies, Rob Eversteijn, DVP, CBRE Investment Management, Leebo intelligente Bouwsystemen
📸 Studio MADA, Martijn de Visser