The Haarlem based SEIN Foundation of Epilepsy Institutions of the Netherlands needs to replace old buildings with more suitable new constructions. The foundation requested that a number of developers cooperate with architects to draw up a plan in which the short construction period would be a central issue of the assessment. Furthermore, there was a need to create a small-scale, cosy atmosphere and an attractive habitat for the residents.
The plan is to be realised in a park type landscape outside Haarlem, a site now already used by Sein, which is to undergo a metamorphosis.
The epileptic patients are divided into a number of target groups, or clusters. Some groups require a lot of supervision, other residents have more freedom and live individually or in residential group units. Our agency opted to give each of the various clusters their own building. Compact villas in a park type landscape. Generally speaking, these villas have a central area which hosts the care facilities, while the residents’ apartments and bedrooms are along the facade. This central area is situated in such a way that it has daylight from above or is on a corner, so that there is a relationship with the park.
The buildings all have an all-round orientation, and are two and three storeys high. These compact villas are in keeping with the style of the surrounding buildings, and afford the park type landscape plenty of space. This gives the buildings an intimate character all of their own.
Most residents have their own exterior space, while there is also attention for the common exterior space. This has been given shape by means of a wooden veranda zone in front of the building. The entrances to the residential buildings are also on these verandas.
The villas have three facades of rough brick with staggered windows. The front facade has been designed in wood, and is the facade with the veranda and the entrance to the residential building. We especially wanted to emphasise the rural and relaxed character of the residential villas through our choice of materials and details.
All the living units and rooms have been designed in such a way that they can be simply adapted into apartments or rooms at a later date. Bathrooms, kitchens and installations etc. are all located in a very accessible zone.
