What once felt like the back side of the TU/e campus has now been transformed by Haven into a new front: a cohesive student living environment with 735 homes, where living, learning, and socializing are seamlessly intertwined. The complex—comprising two residential towers (Castor and Pollux) and the low-rise student village Terra—transforms a previously anonymous area into a vibrant community for the next generation of socially engaged designers, engineers, and makers.
The goal was clear: to create a true home for students that offers space for community, mental wellbeing, and connection—while also serving as a sustainable, future-proof anchor on campus.
Building on what’s already there
The buildings are thoughtfully integrated into the existing campus layout. The towers complement earlier construction phases in their form, scale, and materials, featuring robust prefabricated concrete facades with a distinctive modular design that plays dynamically with light and shadow. Pollux (east) is clad in a dark facade patterned with clouds, while Castor (west) sports a lighter, organic relief texture. Both towers are composed of three staggered volumes, giving every corner a unique character and allowing the facades to reflect life inside—from shared apartments to communal spaces. Terra, the low-rise timber neighborhood, follows the same grid but brings a village-like scale and atmosphere, with cozy courtyards, open corners, and green sightlines that create a human scale and encourage spontaneous encounters.
Designing for connection
Haven is founded on the belief that physical space can strengthen social bonds. The complex encourages informal meetings and community building at every level: from the winter gardens in the towers—themed spaces with spectacular views for residents to enjoy—to the intimate courtyards in the Terra village. Corridors aren’t just anonymous hallways, but lively internal streets with windows into kitchens where neighbors see and chat with each other. Half of the residences are shared apartments, where communal rooms for 4 to 8 students take center stage. Shared facilities like the Makerspace and common lounges offer accessible places for students to meet and build friendships, which is especially valuable for international students living far from home.
A key social spine runs through the site in the form of the ‘Blauwe Loper’ boulevard, which stretches east-west alongside the complex. Entrances and larger gathering spots are all connected north-south to this axis. Starting this summer, the student café on the ground floor of Castor tower will naturally link the popular bike route to the sports center with this part of campus. Scenic paths from the nearby Dommel river, meandering trails through the student village, and a variety of terraces and seating areas create plenty of informal gathering places at ground level.
Community and co-creation at the core
From the very start, students have been actively involved in shaping Haven—from brainstorming themes for the winter gardens to designing communal spaces and interiors. This collaboration has led to a rich program of amenities: from the student café and living rooms to the Makerspace, where students can build their own furniture, models, or even entire living units. This space is equipped with woodworking machines, 3D printers, and tools available to all residents.
A unique feature is the partnership with Springplank040: in the Happie040 canteen, which opened this spring, students work alongside (former) homeless individuals, expanding the notion of connection to include social engagement and mutual care.
Sustainability integrated throughout
At Haven, sustainability isn’t just a standalone goal—it’s the backbone of the design, technology, and social structure. The fully all-electric complex is connected to the campus thermal energy storage system (WKO), fitted with solar panels, and comfortably exceeds energy standards thanks to a well-insulated building envelope and efficient installations. By applying the Trias Energetica energy strategy, energy demand stays low without sacrificing comfort or daylight. At the same time, the building supports social sustainability: generous ceiling heights, smart air circulation, and flexible floor plans promote health, interaction, and adaptability for the future. Circular building practices are evident in the reuse of materials from the demolished Pavilion in the new Makerspace.
More than just housing
Haven shows that student housing can be so much more than just a place to live. It’s a community focused on wellbeing, inclusion, connection, and a culture of making. Here, students don’t just live—they develop themselves, meet others, learn, and grow. With Haven, TU/e has created not only a sustainable set of buildings but a social ecosystem that breathes new life into the heart of campus.
