Construction of student complex De Limes in Oegstgeest officially kicks off

The modern building, located in the Nieuw-Rhijngeest district within the Bio Science Park, will offer space for 285 student residences from mid-2027, divided across 26 living groups. The complex is an initiative by student housing provider DUWO and is being developed according to the latest housing concept: the STING. This concept has been specially designed as an intermediate form between a traditional student house and an independent apartment. Each student will have a private studio with their own facilities of approximately 18 m² and will also share a spacious kitchen and living room within their living group.“This way, we combine the privacy of having your own space with the social aspect of communal living,” says Laurens Cramer, branch director of DUWO Leiden. “Moreover, the independent nature of the studios makes students eligible for housing allowance.”

Shortage of student housing
The demand for student accommodation remains high; in Leiden alone, there is a shortfall of around 2,500 units. “A lot has already been built, but DUWO aims to launch additional projects in the coming years to continue offering affordable housing. I’m therefore very pleased that we can now get started in Oegstgeest, close to both the university and college,” Cramer adds.

Layout and facilities 
The building will feature a central tower with thirteen floors, connected to two lower blocks of four floors each. The 285 studios will be grouped into 26 residential communities, each with a shared living space of 40 m². The ground floor will house a large common room of 125 m², including a laundry bar. Additionally, the complex will feature an indoor bicycle storage area and a landscaped green outdoor space. 

Future-proof living
De Limes will be sustainably built with a fully electric energy system. A comfortable indoor climate will be ensured through air-to-water heat pumps and underfloor heating, while the ventilation system provides heat recovery, cooling, and heating. This will result in an energy-efficient building with an A++ energy label. The surrounding area has also been carefully considered: the complex is situated along the Binnenrijn in a park-like setting. The site design incorporates several climate-adaptive features, such as bioswales for rainwater collection. 

Johan Krijgsman, CEO of Waal, is pleased that DUWO has once again chosen to collaborate with Waal. “Our company values long-term partnerships, and we’re proud to contribute to housing for students—the future of the Netherlands.” 

The building was designed by Klunder Architects, who also designed the nearby student complex at Kolffpad in Leiden. The project will be executed by construction company Waal, DUWO’s building partner responsible for its realization.