building on a postage stamp

A housing complex with a diverse range of apartments from 23-75 m2. The site is located between the Neherkade and Laakweg, along a shopping centre and an office building. All buildings in this strip have a distinguished plinth with a diverse programme and material use. Part of the building is elevated onto columns as one of the city’s main water pipes runs underneath. Resulting in a volume of 18/10 layers with a height of 55 metres. A spacious bicycle storage is located underneath the volume.

The aim is to create an optimal relationship between the surroundings, the building, and the programme. The location, and the limited space surrounding it, require a compact building method. Hence the choice for prefab. Within this framework, we searched for the best possible freedom within the typologies.

Concrete elements with the yellow tint of travertine make up the façade. They vary in texture and have either a rough or smooth finish. Alternating window openings create an informal expression. The panels become more slender next to window openings. This forms a relief on the exterior whilst bringing more daylight to the interior.