On Thursday, the mayor of Differdange, Roberto Traversini, the developer Ikogest and the APEMH Foundation (Association of Parents of Mentally Handicapped Children) participated in the symbolic sod-turning ceremony to launch the start of the Séquoia residence in Differdange on the plateau du Funiculaire.

In the heart of the Arboria district in Differdange, the new Séquoia residence is more than a classic residence; it is a social and family unit which will provide three functions: an inclusive "Topolino" nursery for up to 80 children, some with special needs, student housing and for young people. It is to be commissioned in 2019.

This new socio-familial construction project will fulfill three distinct functions. On the ground floor and half of the first floor, the Topolino Education and Welcome Service, operated by the APEMH, will host (as early as the beginning of 2019) up to 80 children from 0 to 4 years, some of whom have a disability. On the upper floors, the residence will have 22 student studios and 15 youth studios (some of which will be accessible to people with reduced mobility), as well as lounges as community spaces. The project forms a coherent and complementary block, where flows of traffic between children and young people are independent.

A response to new societal challenges

Demographic growth continues at Differdange, and the consequent expansion of the educational offer in the surrounding area (LUNEX University, the University of Luxembourg in Belval, Miami University, the Differdange International School - Esch-sur-Alzette) create new societal needs to which the municipality is responding by offering a complete service to residents.

The positive collaboration between the municipal authorities, the competent administrations, the operator of the crèche and the developer Ikogest have enabled the latter to design a turnkey solution. Ikogest will deliver a fully equipped building, furnished studios and even a landscaped garden, clearing the town of an important logistics management issue.

Situated in the centre of the new Arboria district, on the former plateau du Funiculaire, the Séquoia residence has been designed with the help of the Fabeck Architectes office. It has a gross floor area of 2,720 m2 and will be the first certified AAA-rated residential building in the area.

Quality of life

The socio-familial ensemble promises an excellent quality of life to each of its young occupants. It will also contribute to the good balance of the Arboria district, as the diversity of functions, populations and generations is fundamental to the smooth functioning and good living of a city.

Other recent real estate developments in Differdange testify to the anticipation of the municipality, which is preparing for the challenges of the future. These projects include the opening of the Opkorn shopping center on Thursday 26 October 2017 and the construction of the first tower of the city, Aurea, which will start in the first quarter of 2018. Like the entire Arboria district, these two projects are being undertaken by the developer Ikogest.