A world first for Utrecht as Alderman Eelco Eerenberg officially launched the world’s first masonry robot for high-rise buildings today in Cartesius. This milestone coincides with the topping out of Okinawa, a development that will bring 165 social housing units to the area. Additionally, housing corporation Portaal announced its priority to expand affordable housing in Baunei, the third phase of Cartesius, where 418 affordable rental homes will be realized under a Mixed Housing concept. This inner-city development showcases how innovation, technology, and social responsibility can come together to create a future-proof urban district.

Topping out Okinawa and 418 new affordable housing units in Baunei
The 165 social housing units in Okinawa form part of Cartesius’ second phase, which includes a total of 770 new homes scheduled for completion in 2026. Developed under Portaal’s Mixed Living concept, Okinawa integrates social and assisted living, bringing together residents with and without support needs. Organizations De Tussenvoorziening and Abrona provide the necessary guidance to help individuals transition back into society.

Sander Heinsman, Director of Housing Corporation Portaal, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this milestone and reaffirmed the commitment to further expand affordable housing in Baunei, the third phase of Cartesius. This phase will introduce 337 social rental homes and 81 mid-range rental homes, including two community rooms, elderly housing, and an extension of the Mixed Living concept. Baunei is being developed by the Cartesius development consortium (MRP and Ballast Nedam Development), designed by de Architekten Cie., and built by Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling.

Mixed Housing is becoming an essential urban solution, allowing groups such as assisted living tenants and individuals transitioning from social care or sheltered housing to integrate smoothly into a diverse and engaged community. The concept also meets the demand from regular housing seekers for neighborhoods that foster a sense of connection. Okinawa will include 36 homes for people with mental disabilities, offering 24-hour supervision, 24 homes for individuals leaving social care, and 105 standard social rental homes for residents seeking a supportive and inclusive living environment.

‍Okinawa partially bricked with ROPAX robot for High-rise
The ROPAX 2.0 masonry robot for high-rise buildings marks a groundbreaking innovation in construction, addressing the shortage of skilled workers while improving efficiency, precision, and sustainability. The robot does not replace masons but works alongside them, enabling a faster, more precise, and environmentally conscious building process.

By reducing mortar and stone waste, the masonry robot significantly lowers the environmental footprint of construction projects. Traditional methods use 1,000 grams of mortar per brick, while the ROPAX 2.0 robot precisely applies only 455 grams, cutting waste by more than half. The result is a 70% reduction in stone waste, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry.

Developed by ROPAX in collaboration with Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling, Ballast Nedam, and Laudy, the robot brings greater flexibility, improved digital profiling, and enhanced user-friendliness. It allows for faster, more accurate bricklaying and increased working range, making it a major leap forward for high-rise construction.

Cartesius - a Home for Life
Cartesius is more than just a new neighborhood—it is a blueprint for the city district of the future. Located next to the railway station, it will offer over 3,000 homes, prioritizing biodiversity, sustainability, and well-being. Designed for living, working, and relaxing in balance, Cartesius fosters an environment where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

As the first "Heart of Health" area development in the region, Cartesius brings the scientific principles of Blue Zones into an urban setting for the first time. The eight pillars of the Cartesius concept—community, nature & biodiversity, exercise, relaxation & meaning, sustainability, mobility, environment, and healthy food—serve as the foundation of this transformative project.

Developed by MRP and Ballast Nedam Development in collaboration with the Municipality of Utrecht, NS Stations, and leading architects Mecanoo, EVA Architects, Paul de Ruiter Architects, and de Architekten Cie., Cartesius is setting new standards for sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof city living.