Future-Proof Living in Mobius Apartment Building, Utrecht
Energy-Neutral Living on Historic Grounds
Adjacent to the sustainable Möbius residential district in Leidsche Rijn—currently under development—stands apartment building 1B. The design carefully acknowledges the historical significance of the former Leeuwesteyn estate, blending seamlessly into its green surroundings.
The building offers a diverse mix of rental and owner-occupied apartments and forms part of Möbius’ multigenerational living concept. Residents of different ages and lifestyles come together here, creating a vibrant and sustainable community.
Smart Energy Solutions for Mobius
The apartment complex is equipped with 120 PVT panels and 37 PVT heat pumps (type 5). These are modulating propane heat pumps with a capacity ranging from 1 to 5 kW, designed with highly compact dimensions (38 x 65 x 185 cm). This setup enables efficient, local generation of both heat and electricity.
The PVT system provides heating, domestic hot water, and cooling for residents. Thanks to these advanced energy solutions, residents benefit from a comfortable, sustainable, and future-proof energy supply—contributing directly to the climate goals of the municipality of Utrecht.
The Approach
The project was developed through close collaboration between Hegeman Ontwikkeling, Newomij Vastgoed, the Municipality of Utrecht, and various partners. The residential design was created by architectural firm KOW, while the green courtyard was designed by RROG landscape architects.
Hegeman Bouwgroep is responsible for the structural construction, Van der Sluis Installatietechniek handles the internal installations, and Triple Solar oversees the rooftop systems and inverters. At Triple Solar, we supply the PVT systems, with both panels and heat pumps fully integrated into the architectural design.
Apartment building 1B features a stepped structure, transitioning from seven to three floors. This ensures a smooth connection with the surrounding buildings and optimal southern sun exposure. The courtyard, situated above an archaeological site, makes the heritage accessible to both residents and visitors. Material and color choices draw inspiration from the Art Deco tradition, incorporating biobased and circular materials such as reclaimed bricks and the iconic Tichelaar tiles.
Sustainable Living in Leidsche Rijn
Residents have access to shared facilities at the entrance and within the green courtyard, encouraging interaction and community engagement. The building is designed to be circular and demountable.
Materials are reusable and achieve a detachability index of 35%, allowing resources to be repurposed after the building’s lifecycle. Apartment building 1B is more than just a place to live—it demonstrates how modern living, heritage, and sustainability can come together in Leidsche Rijn.
