In the Maaswaard area, at the central point between the four cores today constituting the town of Venlo, a new sheltered housing project for the elderly is currently under construction. This ensemble will be visually defining for Venlo, being high-profile and metropolitan yet sensitive to the surrounding residential areas. The design proceeds from a sturdy four-storey basement from which rise towers of a further four to six storeys. This composition of towers combined with a nearby existing office tower (Nedinscotoren), takes account of sight lines and ways through in the adjoining neighbourhoods. Two of the project's towers, their fronts wrapped in an 'open' screen of glass panels, add a lighter touch, affording some relief from the ensemble's otherwise imposing metropolitan demeanour. A great many different dwelling types are to look out over the river Maas. Cladding basically consists of cut stone and sandwich panels in a range of colours from light to dark. Balconies are set back inside the blocks as loggias where they can be developed into sunrooms. A semi-public, sun-filled courtyard in the south spills over into the park on that side. The block overlooking the courtyard seems to float due to its 2.5 metre tall glass plinth which contains health care and other facilities. There is also a prominent south-facing restaurant cum grand café with terrace. The ambience of this outdoor area reflects the human touch, giving residents both a sense of seclusion and the fullest experience of social life there.