GROW is the most urban and diverse block of Merwede, one of the most sustainable urban developments in the Netherlands. The former industrial area at the Merwedekanaal is transforming into a car-free, green urban district a stone's throw from the center of Utrecht.
Urban planning and architecture
KCAP developed the urban design elaboration for 4 city blocks within Bura's master plan. For the GROW city block, KCAP also realized the architecture: a vibrant ensemble with a diverse mix of living, working, and amenities.
Merwede's key ambitions have been translated into the city block: community, circular, energy-conscious, sustainably mobile, and nature-inclusive. These pillars are reflected in all layers of the plan: from urban planning and landscape to architecture, from the distribution of diverse program components to the creation of special buildings and places.
A vibrant urban district
KCAP gives shape to the idea of the 'Vibrant Urban District' with a diverse mix of functions that generate liveliness and activity at any time of day. With 575 homes in all categories and more than 10,000m² of additional diverse amenity programs, GROW is a 'community' in itself. More than 1,000 people will live here and over 400 people will work here. GROW consists of a fine-grained building structure with a clearly readable composition: plinth, middle section, and setback with roof gardens of various sizes around an accessible and permeable courtyard that functions as a neighborhood park.
Architectural diversity
The GROW city block consists of an ensemble of 18 different buildings, designed by 18 different architects from the firms KCAP, Monk, and Studio Nauta. By defining distinctive architectural concepts for each building, GROW has a rich architectural appearance with recognizable buildings.
The human scale is leading for the appearance and experience at eye level. Richly detailed plinths, recognizable entrances, careful public-private transitions, and lively programming give identity and richness to the buildings and the whole. The diverse functions that generate liveliness and activity at any time of day result in a dynamic place where different functions come together and people can meet.
Sustainability in all layers
GROW is a highly sustainable building ensemble. During the design process, the various choices were integrally weighed against each other to arrive at a sustainable design. Merwede's high ambitions in the area of energy generation and use, material use, and circularity are amply met.
An efficient layout with large spans leads to optimization in construction and promotes flexibility and future-proofing. The use of circular concrete and circular facade infills result in a very low MPG (Environmental Performance of Buildings). Particularly noteworthy is the application of a CO2 tool which has led to further optimization of sustainability aspects.
Car-free and healthy mobility
Merwede's ground level is designed to be car-free and green. Healthy mobility in the form of slow traffic and the use of public transport are encouraged. This makes a very low parking standard possible with concentrated parking facilities. GROW houses one of the parking hubs that serves multiple blocks.
Green and climate-resilient
The proportion of greenery at ground level, facades, and roofs has been maximized. The neighborhood park in the city block, designed by Flux landscape architecture, is a green urban oasis of Merwede. This attractive green living environment results in a nature-inclusive plan that offers space for flora and fauna and thus promotes the city's biodiversity. Rainwater is collected and used as a water buffer for the neighborhood park and green roofs. The retention and delayed drainage of rainwater has a cooling effect on the city block and thus reduces heat stress.
GROW is therefore a highly future-proof ensemble, a lively inclusive place to live, work, and recreate, but also a climate-resilient green oasis.
