Description

To set into motion a large-scale renovation of the Delflandplein neighbourhood, the first new block has been designed to achieve maximum density: Noordstrook combines 170 affordable housing units, a community centre and commercial spaces in one volume. The U-shaped complex has a large variety of housing types and sizes, ranging from small studios with common living rooms for people needing special care, to spacious six-room maisonettes. By arranging multiple types of residences around a central courtyard, Noordstrook reinterprets the original ideals of the western suburbs – a balanced differentiation of dwellings for the elderly, starters and families.

The landscaped courtyard sits atop the parking garage, creating a green core. To block noise pollution, the facade facing the ring road is predominantly closed. By contrast, the opposite side has been opened up as much as possible with large frontages and balconies.

The large concrete facade panels clad with brickwork allude to the original brick assembly technique used in the neighbourhood, breaking with the monotonous, repetitive appearance of traditional prefab facades. By making the panels two storeys high, staggering the vertical seams and alternating the panels in the diagonal junctions, the building takes on a more sculptural, powerful appearance. The use of different coloured bricks and varieties in masonry techniques result is a diverse brickwork pattern that resembles the colourful composition of hanging woven carpets.

Drawings

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