The Adventures of Woody. - Part 2

19.05.2020

The Adventures of Woody the Nuthatch.

Wonderwoods aims to inspire and not just with architecture. Wonderwoods is more than just a building. We want everybody to learn about the wonders of our woods whether you’re young or old. Wonderwoods has something for everybody.

We would like you to know how we grow and introduce you to some of our feathered friends in a fun and playful way because we believe that playing frees the mind and breeds happiness. Therefore, we have created our own Vertical Forest Hub and our own kids book called ‘Woody’s avontuur’ (in Dutch) and The Adventures of Woody the Nuthatch in English. Woody is our cute little mascot. Long ago, many birds left the city after countless trees were chopped down to make way for homes and offices. But soon, they’ll be flying back into the city- to Wonderwoods.

During this year’s children’s book week we had the mayor of Utrecht Jan van Zanen read The Adventures of Woody the Nuthatch to the children of public school ‘De Koekoek’ in Utrecht. A great and inspiring day of which we hope more will come.

With these kind of initiatives we want to spark children’s imagination and stimulate curiosity because not everything needs to be digitally right?

Want to get your hands on a copy of this children’s book? Keep an eye on our social media channels. Every now and then, we will announce when a limited number of copies will become available at the Stadskantoor Utrecht.

04.05.2020

Wonderwoods wins tender 'Healthy Urban Quarter'!

Utrecht: a city that stands for healthy urban living for everyone. A city of wholesome inhabitants in a healthy living environment, working on a healthy economy. Where everyone can participate, and everyone can feel at home.

In October 2016, the City of Utrecht announced its ambitions for the ‘Healthy Urban Quarter’ at the Expo Real in Munich. A tender in which sustainability, liveability, green space and health were the core values.

By joining forces with architects such as Stefano Boeri from his ‘Bosco Verticale’ in Milan, MVSA Architects and Koninklijke Ginkel Groep, Wonderwoods showed the municipality of Utrecht that they had understood the ambitions for the ‘Healthy Urban Quarter’. Green, liveable, healthy and sustainable.

“The idea of building a tower completely surrounded by trees came to me in 2007 in Dubai when I was following the frantic construction of a city in the desert consisting of dozens of new towers and skyscrapers. All were clad in glass or ceramic or metal. Thus, they reflected the sunlight and acted as heat generators in the air but especially on the ground: the area inhabited by pedestrians. I later learnt that 94% of tall buildings in the world built after 2000 are covered in glass, creating increasingly artificial cities.”

— Stefano Boeri (Stefano Boeri Architetti), Architect

At the end of 2017, the Wonderwoods Development consortium consisting of G&S Vastgoed and KondorWessels Projecten won the Wonderwoods tender. Utrecht: a city that dares to counteract the rapid nature-less urbanization. A city that invests in new architecture, so-called “living buildings”. But above all a progressive and innovative city that, together with the arrival of Wonderwoods, supports a healthy and urban ecosystem.

04.05.2020

The balcony is back and bigger than ever!

The coronavirus lockdown has hit those people who live in apartments hard. Especially in the centre of the city the best many can often hope for is a balcony. A balcony can easily transforms an apartment from a cage into a royal box with the simple gesture of opening a double door for example. In Wonderwoods every apartment has its own lush sky garden; that’s how we like to call our balconies. Not only is the primary benefit of a balcony the extra space you will have but you can also enjoy the great outdoors at your leisure.

A balcony is a great place to have some outdoor furniture and host guests for gatherings; whether it is just a catch-up, drinks or a dinner party. Research has shown that spending time outside can benefit your immune system, improve eyesight, reduce stress and enhance creativity! What better reasons to embrace the outdoors?

Although you will be surrounded by lush greenery all day adding potted plants you can even brighten up and add a dash of colour to your life and won’t even take up a lot of space!

We believe a balcony connects people to the outside world. The interior with the exterior making you feel right at home and in touch with nature, the vital source of our well-being. A balcony; your little haven and (perhaps escape) from the world if you feel like it.