In Utrecht’s Overvecht neighbourhood, De Mix takes a new approach to housing renewal, combining rental homes with commercial and community spaces around a generous shared courtyard. Designed by KOW architects to support a more diverse and connected community, the three new buildings draw on Overvecht’s architectural character while introducing contemporary approaches to climate adaptation and communal living.

Residential development

Developed by housing association Woonin, BPD Development and the Municipality of Utrecht, the project replaces 80 outdated social housing units across two apartment blocks with 179 new mid-market rental homes in three six-storey residential buildings. To offset the loss of social housing on the site, 136 new social housing units are being delivered at two other locations: Oudenoord and the Merwedekanaal Zone. 

The new apartments range from 55 to 75 square metres and are designed to meet the needs of first-time renters, young families and older residents. The ground floors will accommodate a mix of commercial and community spaces which open onto a large planted courtyard.

Architectural context

While thoroughly contemporary in character, De Mix draws on the post-war architecture of Overvecht: a planned 1960s extension of Utrecht. Its modernist housing was arranged in groups within an open, green landscape, reflecting the period’s emphasis on repetition, orthogonal forms and horizontal lines.

The three residential blocks are finished in light-coloured brick, complemented by darker brick and glazed elements. Arranged around a vibrant shared courtyard, the buildings are connected by gallery access corridors that open towards this social heart, creating opportunities for neighbours to meet and chat. A varied arrangement of semi-recessed and projecting balconies adds further depth and rhythm to the facades, giving the buildings distinct character.

Climate-adaptive strategies

The buildings employ a range of climate-adaptive architectural strategies: blue-green roofs retain rainwater, helping to reduce stormwater runoff while regulating the building’s temperature during the warmer months. This water is then reused for the irrigation of communal planting. 

The apartments are gas-free and incorporate individual air-to-water heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. Indoor air quality is further enhanced by plasma air filtration systems. Together, these measures contribute to an energy-efficient and healthy living environment while increasing the buildings’ capacity to respond to future climatic conditions.