Renovation of Gemini North research building on TU/e campus begins

April 6, 2023

TU/e once again earns international sustainability mark after renovation

A sketch of the new Gemini North, viewed from the side of the Neuron building. Source: Team V architecten

Construction company Heijmans will start this month with the large-scale renovation of Gemini North. The renovations will take place in the lower section of the building which is home to laboratories, as well as teaching and study areas. The cost of the renovation is €33 million, and completion is scheduled for October 2024. Gemini North has already been completely gutted.

Sustainability label

TU/e is obtaining a so-called BREEAM Excellent design certificate with the renovation of Gemini North. This is a worldwide sustainability mark for the realization of sustainable buildings. Therefore, the renovation of Gemini is set to minimize impact on the environment, for example by preserving existing elements, such as the concrete construction, and by using sustainable materials.

Furthermore, both the northern and southern parts of Gemini will be connected to the heat cold storage system (ATES) located underneath the campus. This system heats and cools various TU/e buildings in a sustainable manner. As a result, Gemini will be TU/e’s next completely gas-free building.

Jan Wijnen (left) and TU/e project manager Roderik van Doorn inspect the gutted interior of Gemini-North. Photo: Rien Boonstoppel

This is not the first BREEAM certificate achieved by TU/e. Four years ago, the university scored ‘outstanding’ on BREEAM when Atlas was completed. At the time, Atlas was the most sustainable education building in the world.

Nicole Ummelen, vice president of the TU/e Executive Board: “One of our important tasks as a technical university is to contribute to a sustainable world. We do this through research and educating engineers, but we also do our part when renewing our buildings.”

Heijmans obtained the contract for the renovation of Gemini North from a tender based on a two-phase contract. The property was surveyed in close consultation with the consultants and TU/e. Gemini North has a floor area of 14,000 square meters. The construction phase starts now.

Gemini-South

Following the renovation of Gemini-North, Gemini-South (the higher section) will be next. During that period, the department of Biomedical Engineering will temporarily move to the Fontys TF building, across the road from the TU/e student sports center. Mechanical Engineering will temporarily move into the Fontys S1 building on TU/e grounds. Completion of this phase is scheduled for 2027.

Gemini was built in the early 1970s under the names W-High and W-Low. Since the last renovation in 2011, it was renamed Gemini, which is Latin for twin. When all work is completed, Gemini as a whole will house the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, various research groups, and numerous educational facilities such as lecture halls, study areas, laboratories, study associations, meeting facilities, and a restaurant.