Hyde Park in Hoofddorp is a new residential development in the heart of the Randstad, transforming from a former office district into a vibrant, dynamic neighborhood. With an ambitious urban plan, the area is set to become a central hub with a mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces. Kensington, designed by Barcode Architects, is one of the first blocks in this transformation, offering a new standard of architecture and urban living for the area.
The design introduces a range of diverse housing types, with variations in height and form, creating an engaging architectural composition that goes beyond the typical building block. By experimenting with massing and roof shapes, the project delivers a unique urban and residential quality. The development features a varied mix of typologies, catering to different lifestyles, including lofts along the water, maisonettes, rooftop apartments, and studios.
Each architectural sub-volume within the block is distinct, contributing to the overall harmony of the design. The buildings are thoughtfully arranged with a gradation of volumes, using contrasting light to define the character of each structure. Materiality is carefully chosen to respond to the surrounding context, maintaining a human scale while ensuring the overall coherence of the ensemble.
Barcode Architects has designed seven distinct ‘houses’ within the block, each with its own identity and material palette. The Pixelhouse rises as a vertical extension of the park, while the Waterhouse integrates seamlessly with the surrounding water. The Mountain, with its bold form, marks the entrance to the Hyde Park development.
On the ground floor, commercial spaces and cafés alternate with entrances to the residences, creating vibrancy at street level. The buildings are connected by a large communal courtyard on the first floor, where residents can meet one another. The shared spaces are visually linked to the courtyard, reinforcing the unity of the building block.
The development incorporates sustainable systems, including an integrated CERA system for year-round comfort, and a courtyard garden that functions as a water buffer. Roof terraces with planted vegetation help mitigate rainwater runoff. The project also encourages sustainable travel with charging stations for electric vehicles, ample bike storage, and easy access to public transportation.
