Breakthrough Properties Completes AstraZeneca R&D Facility in Amsterdam

Breakthrough Properties completed construction in November of 2025 on One Helix in the Netherlands. Strategically sited within the campus of Amsterdam University Medical Center, the purpose-built research facility will leverage connections with the surrounding academic, life sciences, and biopharma ecosystem to catalyze life-changing scientific advancements. The 70,126-sf building was designed by UNStudio to offer world-class laboratory and office environments that foster collaboration and innovation. Fully leased to AstraZeneca, the premier development will accelerate the company’s research and development initiatives to create novel cell therapies. 

The biophilic structure stands five stories high and incorporates a series of landscaped outdoor terraces and green roofs to enhance occupant wellbeing. Having attained BREEAM Outstanding certification for both the core and shell and tenant fit-out, the all-electric building is slated to maintain net zero emissions and achieve a net positive status for energy consumption. Sustainability strategies include geothermal storage for heating and cooling, highly efficient air treatment, a triple-glazed glass façade with solar shades, a passive building envelope, and a 10,053-sf photovoltaic array. The utilization of natural materials reduced the embodied carbon footprint. 

De Vries en Verburg broke ground on the sophisticated development in August of 2023. Aronsohn was the structural engineer, with Buro Happold and Linsenn as MEP engineers. Savills served as project manager and Linesight was the cost consultant. Breakthrough Properties is a joint venture of Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital.