VOLUMETRY & INPLANTATION
We want to preserve the quality of the existing green site as much as possible.
The new building has to be spatially with the small scaled residential street and the current residential nursing home.
“Groenhof” emerges on the street side by pulling the central part of the building 14m backwards. This way the main entrance of the building becomes clearly visible.
The complexity of the volumetry of the building gives us more variation in the orientation of the façade and control of the light. The arising corners give the possibility to make the building more open to the neighbourhood.
In order to compensate the existing level gradient on the site in a natural way, the rear part of the building is raised half a level higher. (Split level) This will bring the rear façade of the new project into a balanced relation with the rear façade of the residential nursing home.
At the entrance we only provide a home on the first floor, so that a large sheltered entrance is created below.
In relation with the existing buildings in the Groenhofstraat, we resolutely opt for sloped roofs. This archetype supports our vision of the small scaled and homely aspect of the project. This specific roof shape immediately gives us the right orientation and slope for the generation of sustainable energy (solar water heater and PV panels) on the south side and extracting natural light on the north side.
ORGANIZATION & FUNCTIONALITY
GLOBAL
The main entrance to the building is centrally placed. The spacious covered outdoor space provides a comfortable and soft transition between exterior and interior.
The entire building is organized around the central entrance area. You have an clear view of the stairs, the elevator, the voids and the meeting rooms. The circulation here is clearly "oversized" so that there are quiet corners where people can sit down, wait for someone, chat, etc..
The building has three residential areas: the north wing, rear wing and south wing. This logical and well-organized organization emphasize a small-scale feeling of living. Corridors arise on which a maximum of 6 houses look out.
Every home has its own terrace. We provide a wide variation and optimum orientation. On the ground floor we combine the terraces as much as possible with a small private garden zone.
COMMON ROOMS
By providing quality and inviting communal spaces, we hope to help combat the insidious isolation of seniors and to help them develop and maintain a social network in their new living environment.
Spacious "oversized" corridors with natural light provide space for "small" encounters and a quick chat...
The “café” is located on the ground floor with a spacious terrace and a beautiful view to the outside with the garden zone behind it. This space is provided for the meetings of residents, visitors, employees, volunteers, children, …
HOUSES
The building has 23 assisted-living apartments with one bedroom and 7 assisted-living apartments with two rooms. The varied volumetry of the building ensures a strong individuality in terms of orientation and views with the immediate environment. As a result, the residents will be able to appropriate the property better and therefore deal with it with more respect. By pursuing on a high degree of homeliness and diversity, we believe we can offer a quality home.
MATERIALS
1. Vandersanden - Facadebrickwork - OudMaasland
2. Koramic - Roof cladding - Actua 10 LT - Natuurrood 600
3. Sapa - Windows - Avantis 70
4. Rubberwood - Interiorwoodelements
5. Heraklith - Ceiling finish - Heraklith C
6. Forbo - Floor finish - Concrete
7. Birch plywood - furniture
