5. Sur-rounded by water, the projecting terraces
vvre-semble the decks of a ship. The broad areas
of fenestration allow extensive views out, but
are not screened against overlooking a
phenomenon that is generally accepted in the
Netherlands.
6. PLANS
The sculptural volumes are an
expression of the occupants’individuality.
The basic module is formed by two stacked
concrete elements, each 6 ≈ 10 m on plan
and three metres high. By offsetting the units
to each other, a 2.5-metre-wide terrace is
formed, and the addition of a third storey
allows a roof terrace to be created.
In the case of the detached houses, the
sculptural effect is heightened by turning the
storey units at right angles to each other.
7. SECTIONS
The architects developed a modular
system that allows the design of dwellings
with individual layouts and with a bold three-
dimensional appearance. In addition to a row
of detached houses, the scheme includes ter-
raced houses in groups of 2 to 6 units.
By shifting the various floors in relation to each other,
van Berkel and Bos gives the impression that the whole
neighborhood is a free arrangement of boxes.
This sense of freedom and play belies the standard
materials and dimensions of each individual element.
The compositions are, in fact, carefully considered so as to
maximize both privacy and views as much as possible.
Pushing and pulling at standardized building practices
while using the efficiency created by a construction
industry that produces affordable housing for (almost) all
dutch people, van Berkel and Bos have created a
neighborhood that gives one the sense that the facts of life
could be arranged in a different manner.
8. Materials
Additional prefabricated steel-frame box
elements 2.5 x 6 m on plan can be added at
various points. Contrasted with the slate-clad
basic structure, the coated plywood surfaces
of these elements identify them as extensions.
The positions of the kitchen, bathroom and
stairs were left open as long as possible to
accommodate different lifestyles.
While the concrete modules are clad in
anthracite-coloured bring that denote solidity,
the additional modules are coated in
copper- coloured metal panels, creating a
pleasant colour contrast. The architects’design
objectives were to use a limited range of formal
methods, to exploit the structural variety of
colours and materials, and to avoid incoherent
individualistic elements.
