The recipe for connection: Festive opening of the Balpol4 building

Balpol4, as the building is also called, is the first complex to feature a ‘Hotchpot’ – a cozy communal space where residents can cook, eat, study, or simply relax together. Under the motto ‘The Recipe for Connection,’ the program centered around this Hotchpot, showcasing how this concept contributes to creating a close-knit community.

Recipe for connection
It is increasingly difficult for students to find sustainable and affordable housing. With Balpol4, we are contributing to alleviating the housing shortage. However, DUWO aims to provide students with more than just a roof over their heads; we want to offer them a real home, because living is more than just having shelter.

Common areas play a crucial role in this. They provide the ideal space for meeting others and forming friendships. Moreover, it is proven that cooking and eating together is a strong bonding factor. With the new Hotchpot, we bring 'the recipe for connection' to life.

Guest speakers
Inoek Brouwer, the creator of the Hotchpot concept, shared her vision during the opening on how common areas at DUWO have evolved in recent years and how this led to the Hotchpot idea. Additionally, several important partners were present, without whom this project could not have been realized:

• Marien van der Meer, Board Member, Delft University of Technology
• Karin Schrederhof, Alderman for Housing, Care, Educational Housing, and Sports, Municipality of Delft
• Harry van Zandwijk, CEO, Daiwa House Modular Europe
• Anne Koning, Provincial Executive for Housing, Spatial Planning, Recreation, Tourism, and Sports, Province of South Holland

They addressed the guests, wearing special 'Hotchpot aprons.' Afterward, the aprons were handed over to the residents, who had prepared hutspot in the Hotchpot for the occasion. The package with games made the handover official and complete.

During the closing reception, some students opened their homes to the guests so they could experience what it’s like to live in Balpol4.

The building
Balpol4 consists of 136 self-contained homes with their own facilities, a large communal indoor space (the Hotchpot), and a spacious covered outdoor area.

The complex features a green roof for enhanced biodiversity and good drainage. Additionally, there are nesting boxes in the facade for the two species of dwarf bats that live in the area.

The building design was created by the architects at Studio Ninedots in Amsterdam, and the complex was modularly built by contractor Daiwa House Modular Europe.

The new student complex is located on the southern side of the campus, making all faculties and other TU buildings easily accessible. The campuses of The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Inholland University of Applied Sciences are also nearby. Delft Campus station is a 4-minute bike ride away, and the charming city center of Delft is only 7 minutes away.