CUBE - University of Twente

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) goes beyond simply understanding the world; it is here that technology is designed that actually changes the world. Unfortunately, this vision is not currently so visible in its existing home, 'the Horst.' 'The Horst' is a jewel of the UT campus, a modernist masterpiece designed by Dirk van Mourik. This building consists of a low-rise square with a tower and several "satellites. The faculty constantly developed, and "the Horst" grew with it. But with ET's expansion, the original openness and surveyability was lost. This is now changing thanks to CUBE, the workshop building added to 'the Horst'.

Upon entering, you are welcomed by an impressive metal and welding workshop that extends no less than 7 meters in height. The floor of the workshop is 1.4 meters lower, allowing you to look over the machines and survey the entire space at a glance. Here you can see students and researchers in action, operating machines, teaching and testing their innovations. From this sunken workshop, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the landscape of the Drienerlo estate. A large pyramid-shaped void provides plenty of natural light and encourages interaction between the different floors.

CUBE was designed as a contemporary satellite of the Horst complex. The plot available for the extension was actually too modest for the ambitious program. The creative solution: a slender, linear volume with an additional floor. By sinking this volume, the height of the building is kept subtle, creating a fascinating symbiosis with the surrounding landscape. As a result, the Horst ensemble remains true to its identity as a square with satellites.

All support facilities, including installations, elevators, stairs, toilets and storage areas, are clustered in three cores that connect seamlessly to the building. They not only form a functional whole but also architecturally reference the characteristic installation cores of the Horst complex.

Construction began in September 2023.