In the summer of 2022, Green Real Estate and ION won the tender to give the former Calvijn College in Amsterdam Nieuw-West a new, sustainable future. The Belgian-Dutch alliance will start with the construction of The Hive in just a few weeks. The project is a mixed-use development featuring 183 apartments, a health center, a community hub, and a cultural incubator for artists to live and work. The historic school building will be repurposed and expanded with a new energy-positive structure. The true eye-catcher of the project is an urban climate forest, setting a new benchmark for green urban development.
Earlier this year, The Hive was nominated for the MIPIM Awards. In the Best New Development category, the Belgian-Dutch project competed against the National Concert Hall in Vilnius (Lithuania), Doxs Nkln in Berlin (Germany), and Beytepe Equestrian Sports Complex in Ankara (Turkey). Ultimately, The Hive emerged victorious, with the jury praising its energy-positive design (A++++), unique urban climate forest, and innovative blend of residential, healthcare, and cultural spaces. The project was highlighted as a model for sustainable urban development, seamlessly integrating heritage, ecology, and modern living.
“For ION, this was the second time in two years that we reached the MIPIM Awards final. We are incredibly proud that our work has now been rewarded with the top prize. This success is shared with our Dutch partner, Green Real Estate (Zeeman family), with whom we have had an excellent and close collaboration. We also extend our congratulations to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this unique project in Amsterdam. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team. Finally, we want to congratulate the other three finalists, whose projects also deserved great recognition,” said Davy Demuynck, CEO of project developer ION.
CEOs Davy Demuynck and Kristof Vanfleteren received the trophy on stage, alongside colleagues from OZ Architect.
Both at the ION offices and at Green Real Estate, the victory of The Hive is being celebrated in true Dutch-Belgian style—with a glass of bubbly and, of course, a traditional Dutch stroopwafel!