van Starkenborgh
Facing the big open space of the canal and rows of monumental trees along it, the project creates a rhythmic representative waterside. A grass stroke between the houses and the existing trees forms a natural transition from public to private space. As a result of height difference at the location the living room is placed higher than the street level, lifting the sunny waterside terraces above the public green, that also creates more privacy.
Seven L-formed blocks, with four split-level houses along the canal and three houses with double-high living space perpendicular to it, have actually two front facades and are slightly rotated to provide the best view to all. Big glass openings provide a magnificent view of the busy waterway. Container-like roof studios refer to the industrial function of the canal and next to the framed view from inside, also create a rhythmical repetition on the bigger scale. Houses perpendicular to the canal enjoy a double high living room with a glass facade, a kind of ‘vertical en-suite’. The corner houses have a transparent glass room on the second floor literally bridging the two types.
Site-specific urban scheme and clear composition of volumes, next to using a few contrasting materials like dark brick, aluminum and glass, and attention to details, create a strong image that withstands the scale of the environment and introduces new qualities to the location.
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