#AstraZeneca #Netherlands #Amsterdam #One Helix #Breakthrough Properties

Breakthrough Properties Completes One Helix

Breakthrough Properties, a leading global developer in life sciences real estate, has successfully completed the groundbreaking One Helix research facility located on the Amsterdam UMC campus. This hyper-modern building is entirely leased to AstraZeneca and represents a significant advancement in sustainable building practices within the biow sciences sector.

A Sustainable Milestone

In August 2023, Breakthrough Properties secured a lease agreement with AstraZeneca for the entirety of One Helix, which has been designed in compliance with BREEAM Outstanding standards. This five-story facility, crafted by the renowned architectural firm UNStudio, aims to be one of the most sustainable laboratory environments globally.

According to Tom Renn, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at Breakthrough Properties, "One Helix demonstrates the possibilities that arise when world-class science meets sustainable design. With AstraZeneca's collaboration, we've produced a building that exemplifies energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, providing an ideal setting for transformative scientific advancements."

Amsterdam's Life Sciences Hub

Amsterdam has established itself as a prominent hub for life sciences in Europe, thanks to its proximity to numerous leading research centers and medical institutions. In turn, One Helix is a vital component of Amsterdam's initiative to foster the growth of the Amsterdam UMC campus and the surrounding life sciences innovation ecosystem.

Breakthrough's commitment to energy efficiency and healthy workspaces is clearly displayed in the facility's features. Utilizing innovative technologies like geothermal storage for heating and cooling, highly efficient air treatment systems, and a triple-glazed façade equipped with sun-shading, One Helix is expected to achieve notably low energy intensity and operational emissions.

Additionally, the building boasts landscaped outdoor terraces and green roofs adorned with local plant species, ensuring a harmonious blend with nature. The project also incorporates robust infrastructure for charging electric vehicles and bicycle storage to support Amsterdam's extensive cycling network, catering to the preferred mode of commuting in the city.

Collaborating for Excellence

Breakthrough collaborated with several esteemed partners throughout the project. Structural engineer Aronsohn, MEP consultants Buro Happold and Linsenn, project manager Savills, cost consultant Linesight, and main contractor De Vries en Verburg played pivotal roles in bringing this innovative facility to fruition.

Austin Gilliland, Director of Acquisitions and Asset Management at Breakthrough Properties, expressed gratitude towards all project partners, particularly applauding UNStudio, De Vries en Verburg, Nuveen, and Savills for their joint efforts in achieving this leading European development.

Breakthrough Properties remains a prolific developer in the life sciences sector, currently managing a portfolio exceeding 557,000 square meters (over 6 million square feet) of prime facilities throughout the United States and Europe. Notably, all of Breakthrough's European developments are built to meet the rigorous BREEAM Outstanding certification. Recently, they began construction on Vitrum, a premier laboratory facility located within the expansive St. John's Innovation Park in Cambridge, England, and are also advancing Trinity by Breakthrough, another leading biotech research facility in Oxford's thriving life sciences community.

About Breakthrough Properties

Founded in 2019 as a joint venture between global real estate owner and developer Tishman Speyer and biotechnology investment firm Bellco Capital, Breakthrough Properties is committed to acquiring, developing, and operating premier properties for life sciences in leading urban technology centers worldwide. Their mission is to support scientific innovation across biotechnology, agriculture, and nutrition sectors. The partnership combines Tishman Speyer's decades-long expertise in real estate development with Bellco Capital's entrepreneurial insights in biotechnology, creating environments conducive to the development of life-changing therapies for patients.

For additional information, visit Breakthrough Properties.