Biodiversity is central to the construction of the Magnus residential tower in the Lent district. Unitura is playing a crucial role in this project by supplying built-in boxes. These facilities protect building-dwelling species that depend on safe nesting places. The modern building, designed by Moke Architects, reaches a height of 50 meters and houses 167 apartments.
On behalf of Van Wijnen, WEBO provided the engineering and assembly of innovative, scaffold-less elements. Because the construction of a nature-inclusive residential tower in Nijmegen requires precision, the partners opted for an integrated approach. As a result, bird and bat provisions were already given a permanent place in the facade in the factory.
Our facilities for swifts, house sparrows and bats are specifically designed for integration into precast walls. The nest boxes contain a durable entrance stone made of wood concrete. This stone provides optimal grip to the animals when entering the box. In addition, the subtly protruding design allows the cladding to fit seamlessly around the opening. This preserves the sleek appearance of the building.
WEBO produces the complete building elements including the integrated fauna facilities. The use of Scaffoldless® Construction makes it possible to place these elements quickly and efficiently. This results in a shorter construction time and less inconvenience on the building site. In total, the 397 prefab elements contain varied masonry and stone strips, into which the enclosures are invisibly incorporated.
At the Magnus, we applied the GZP3, HMP3 and VMP3. These cabinets include an entrance stone with a special landing cam. Depending on the placement, this ridge functions as a landing platform or a conspicuous marker. This makes it easier for building-dwelling species to find the cabinet because the entrance protrudes slightly forward.
Our updated GZP3 swift box now features an angled nest board and two nesting bowls. This makes the box suitable for both horizontal placement and sloping overhangs. We also offer the modular VMPM series for bats. This system consists of six different cabinets that can be combined with each other without limitation. This creates a customized system that fits perfectly with Dutch building standards.
Under the Dutch Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), protected species such as house sparrows, swifts and bats, along with their nesting and roosting sites, are legally protected throughout the year. This means that renovation and construction projects in the Netherlands must include ecological assessments and appropriate mitigation measures before works can proceed. A nature inclusive residential tower in Nijmegen, such as the Magnus, directly responds to these legal and ecological requirements.