With the symbolic drilling of the first pile, Bart van der Vossen (Director Ruimte, Gemeente Utrecht) marked the start of construction for Okinawa, delivering 165 social housing units for housing corporation Portaal. Meanwhile, inside the monumental CAB, Paul Oremus (Country Manager/Fund Manager, CBRE Investment Management) performed the symbolic drilling of the last pile, signifying the beginning of 246 rental apartments that will rise above the CAB. These milestones were celebrated with the Cartesius development consortium (MRP and Ballast Nedam Development), housing corporation Portaal, De Tussenvoorziening, CBRE Investment Management, Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling, and a host of project partners. The 411 rental homes form part of the second phase of Cartesius, where a total of 770 new homes will be realized. In addition to housing, the CAB substructure will be transformed into the "Living Room of the Neighborhood", a vibrant hub featuring a supermarket, restaurants, the CAB Lab for research and experiments, and a range of daily amenities.

Construction Okinawa with first 165 social housing units in Cartesius started

The construction of Okinawa, the first 165 social housing units within the Cartesius area development, is now underway. Named after Okinawa, one of the world's Blue Zones, this project reflects the Cartesius vision of creating a healthier, happier urban environment where people can thrive. Okinawa will feature Portaal’s Mixed Living concept, a form of community-oriented housing where residents with and without assisted living needs choose to live together in an organized setting. Those requiring guidance will receive support from De Tussenvoorziening, helping them reintegrate into society.

Okinawa will feature Portaal’s Mixed Living concept, a form of community-oriented housing where residents with and without assisted living needs choose to live together in an organized setting. Those requiring guidance will receive support from De Tussenvoorziening, helping them reintegrate into society.<br><br>Mixed Housing has become an essential model for helping vulnerable groups transition into independent living. It provides stability for assisted living tenants, individuals moving out of social care, and those leaving sheltered housing, while also fostering community engagement among regular housing seekers. Okinawa will have 36 homes for people with intellectual disabilities, offering 24-hour supervision by De Tussenvoorziening and Abrona. Another 24 homes are designated for individuals transitioning out of social care, while the remaining 105 homes are intended for regular social rental, aimed at residents who value a connected, engaged community.<br><br>Developed by the Cartesius consortium (MRP and Ballast Nedam Development), designed by EVA Architects, and constructed by Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling, Okinawa represents a major step toward inclusive, sustainable urban living in Utrecht’s most forward-thinking neighborhood.

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