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RozanneHarleman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Saxion University Design Framework, Enschede
This restricted European tender invites architects to support Saxion University in designing sustainable, flexible and future-proof campus facilities in Enschede, Netherlands.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences, located in Enschede, Netherlands, with more than 26,000 students across three campuses, is reorganising its building portfolio through the Programma Huisvesting. The aim is to consolidate and upgrade existing properties into a compact, vibrant, and high-quality learning and working environment. The selected architect will act as lead designer, translating Saxion’s long-term location strategy into integrated architectural solutions across Enschede, Deventer, and Apeldoorn. The commission covers sketch, preliminary, and final design phases, user involvement workshops, and coordination with other consultants. It focuses on refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing assets rather than new construction.
This is a two-staged tender in which the second phase functions very much like a design competition, but within the framework of a restricted procedure for services. It is a design-based tender competition. The deliverables are lighter than a full competition, but the procedure is clearly design-led.
Location
Sector
Education / Research
Intervention
Renovation
Website
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Qualification for design competition
Deadline
24 Oct 2025
Date Added
23 September 2025
Estimated value
€2.8 million (service fee)
Consultant Team
Architect (lead)
Building advisor
Structural engineer
Building services engineer
Building advisor
Structural engineer
Building services engineer
Submission Criteria
A maximum of 5 teams will be shortlisted to the next phase.
Each shortlisted but unsuccessful tenderer at Stage 2 will receive €5k as compensation.
Qualification Deliverables:
– Completed European Single Procurement Document
– Contact details and project information for references (client, location, dates, contact person, phone/email)
– Signed declaration by the tendering firm confirming accuracy of information
Reference projects meeting the criteria:
– At least one renovation or new-build project of a multifunctional building with a gross floor area (BVO) of at least 15,000 m²
– Clear statement of the core competences demonstrated in the project (scope, relevance to criteria)
– Confirmation from the tenderer that the project was satisfactorily completed
– Proof of BNA membership (Royal Institute of Dutch Architects)
Note: In practice, this means a foreign architect must either already be registered in the Dutch Architectenregister and obtain BNA membership, or form a joint venture/consortium with a Dutch BNA-registered architect to satisfy the requirement
Second Stage Deliverables (Design Phase):
– Pricing submission: in line with the tender’s price-quality ratio (30% price, 70% quality)
– Signed confirmations of compliance with the draft framework agreement
Sketch design (Schetsontwerp):
– A design case study that demonstrates understanding of Saxion’s assignment
– Mood images / atmosphere impressions conveying the bureau’s style and approach (not a detailed final design)
Plan of approach (Plan van aanpak):
– Vision for collaboration with Saxion and stakeholders
– Strategy for achieving a consistent, sustainable, and recognisable design across the campuses