living in the present, remembering the past

The assignment entails the complete design up to and including the construction drawings and aesthetic guidance of the residential project on the Jan Weugkade in Vlissingen.

The location has a strong appeal. Historically, this area belonged to the inner city of Vlissingen. The location became a plot for the kettle factory of the ‘de Schelde’ shipyard. The area was heavily bombed during the Second World War and now it is free for a housing development.

The history of the context inspired us to develop a concept that is on the edge between past and present. Historical craft is combined with the industrial character of the shipyard and current building methods.

The design is a courtyard enclosed by an apartment building, located on the harbour, and single family houses. The courtyard provides space for play areas and parking. Historical and present-day influences are combined into a diverse visual expression in which each elevation has its own character.

The housing units are based on the ‘Pluswoning’ concept by VolkerWessels, which determined the floor plans, but also left space to design the facades of the houses and give each its own signature. The project is designed as one family, in which the individual elements can be distinguished by their signatures.

The historical crafts are referenced in two details. Original Vlissings lace patterns form the relief in the concrete façade panels, and the front door handle has been tailor-made based on the classic Zeeuwse brooch. The industrial character is present in the steel details.