In Haarrijn, a natural, bio-based residential area with sustainability in the fibres of its design is taking shape: Wildgroei. This new-build project focuses on natural living in green surroundings, homes are net-consciously designed and the entire development is climate-adaptive and future-proof. Following a tender, the municipality of Utrecht selected the team of developer Blink, which, in close cooperation with Marc Koehler Associates, Revolve, Merosch, Alba Concepts, Soontiëns Ecology, MOSS and other partners, drew up a plan for the development and construction of 63 highly sustainable ground-level houses and flats.
Total concept
The ambitious total concept was decisive. Wildgroei focuses on connection, influence and health. A living environment that encourages encounters between residents, where residents have influence on their homes and outdoor spaces, and that helps residents live healthy lives. Flexibility in housing design and different housing types create a mixed community. The project will be built in CLT with renewable and bio-based construction materials.
“It is fantastic that we went to the extreme with the team to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together in this brief. I’m convinced that with Wildgroei we’re creating a beautiful entrance to the new Haarrijn neighbourhood with plenty of space for residents and nature.” – Martijn Stemerdink, development manager Blink
Vibrant neighbourhood
Meeting and connecting is at the heart of Wildgroei. By focusing on sustainability, landscape and nature inclusiveness in the broadest sense, a harmonious relationship between people and nature is created. The residential programme consists of 18 ground-level veranda houses, 19 affordable starter flats and 26 multifunctional flats. The residential buildings are grafted onto an ecological and healthy landscape that matches the local landscape. With rich programming of communal (outdoor) spaces where residents can meet, Wildgroei will be a vibrant neighbourhood where people can really live happily.
“With Wildgroei, we are redefining sustainable living, where city and nature seamlessly converge. Here, residents experience the peace and beauty of green, while benefiting from all the amenities the city has to offer. At the same time, it creates a vibrant place where people meet and form a close-knit community together.”
– Eelco Eerenberg, alderman for spatial planning municipality of Utrecht
Construction of Wildgroei is expected to start in mid-2026. The homes will be delivered about 1.5 years after construction starts. Interested parties can visit the project website wildgroei-haarrijn.nl.
