VAN BERKEL EN BOS U.N. STUDIO BV

Their core work

UNStudio is an internationally recognized Dutch architecture and design firm that brings advanced architectural thinking to EU research projects focused on sustainable construction and building renovation. They contribute design expertise, user-centered approaches, and real-world building knowledge to consortia working on energy-efficient facades, digital building information systems, and circular wood-based construction. Their role bridges the gap between laboratory-developed building technologies and practical architectural implementation, ensuring that innovations are viable in real building projects.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UNStudio's H2020 involvement began in 2016 with energy-efficient building components (EENSULATE), then expanded in 2018-2019 into digital renovation tools (BIM-SPEED) and sustainable wood construction with circular economy principles (BASAJAUN). The trajectory shows a clear shift from single-technology energy efficiency toward integrated sustainable building — combining digital tools, bio-based materials, and rural-urban linkages. Their most recent and largest project (BASAJAUN) signals a move toward circular construction and wood-based building systems.

UNStudio is moving toward circular, bio-based construction integrated with digital design tools — positioning them for future projects at the intersection of sustainability, digitalization, and architecture.

How they like to work

UNStudio participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for architecture firms contributing specialized design expertise to large research projects. With 70 unique partners across just 3 projects, they operate in large consortia (averaging 23+ partners per project), indicating comfort with complex multi-partner environments. Their value lies in translating research outputs into architecturally viable building solutions rather than managing the research itself.

Through 3 projects, UNStudio has built connections with 70 distinct partners across 16 countries, giving them a broad European network concentrated in the sustainable construction and building renovation community. This wide reach relative to their small project count reflects participation in ambitious, large-scale Innovation Actions.

What sets them apart

UNStudio is not a typical research participant — it is an internationally acclaimed architecture practice (known for Erasmus Bridge, Mercedes-Benz Museum, and other landmark buildings) that brings real-world design authority to research consortia. This means their involvement validates that a construction technology is architecturally feasible, not just scientifically interesting. For consortium builders, having a firm of UNStudio's caliber as a partner strengthens both the practical credibility and the dissemination impact of a project.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BASAJAUN
  Their largest funded project (EUR 265,912), addressing circular wood construction with demonstration buildings — connects rural forestry resources to urban construction needs.
• BIM-SPEED
  Focused on harmonizing BIM workflows for deep renovation, where an architecture firm's practical perspective on interoperability adds significant end-user credibility.