Kadans opens third building on university campus: Plus Ultra III Wageningen officially openend
Wageningen, 13 November 2025 – On Wednesday afternoon, Plus Ultra III was officially opened on Wageningen Campus during a diverse and festive programme. This pioneering building, developed by Kadans Science Partner, marks the newest addition to the renowned Wageningen University & Research campus.
During the opening on 12 November, visitors were given, under the theme Circularity on the Wageningen Campus, a unique insight into both the building and the work of organisations on and around the campus, including Kalsec, Greencovery, Wageningen University & Research, and Kadans Science Partner. In addition, the first users of Plus Ultra III were introduced: Flavourtech, Fuji Oil, Yakult, and Samyang Foods.
A unique sustainable design
Plus Ultra III is the first laboratory building in the Netherlands that has been built almost entirely with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Designed by Proof of the Sum, the timber construction makes the building CO₂-negative, thereby setting a new standard for sustainable building. The façade is clad with specially developed tiles made of 100% recycled PVC, in collaboration with Pretty Plastic. In addition, the building has been designed with circularity in mind: all components are demountable, and solar energy, thermal energy storage, and nature-inclusive elements have been incorporated.
Built for knowledge sharing
The flexible laboratories and pilot plants, combined with offices and shared facilities, make Plus Ultra III an ideal base for both start-ups and scale-ups as well as R&D departments of established companies in the innovative food sector. Both the atrium, serving as the social heart, and the location next to the previously developed Plus Ultra I and II multi-tenant buildings encourage interaction and collaboration.
Ceremonial opening
The final “strike” was made by Mayor Floor Vermeulen, Peter Ploegsma (Executive Board Wageningen University & Research), and Michel Leemhuis (Executive Chairman Kadans Science Partner), officially marking the opening of Plus Ultra III. With this act, the construction of the approximately 8,500 m² building has been formally completed.
Michel Leemhuis, Executive Chairman of Kadans Science Partner: ‘Standing here in this beautiful atrium, I see a space buzzing with collaboration. You’ll find entrepreneurs, researchers and students from diverse backgrounds exchanging ideas. All around us, they move in and out of their laboratories and pilot plants, working towards solutions to challenges such as circular food systems, the future of our climate and the protein transition.’
Architect: Proof of the Sum.
Photography: Marcel van der Burg.
