In the urban development vision for an eastern entrance to the core of Gulpen, two building volumes, a nursing home and a three-storey building with 21 seniors' apartments, were envisaged in the (residual) space between the Oude Rijksweg and the Nieuwe Rijksweg. This building was also designed by Verheij Architects for the Maasvallei Housing Association (see project Seniorenappartementen Klein Gulpen, Gulpen).
In the urban design, both buildings had a U-shaped footprint, so that the visual relationship from the Oude Rijksweg with the stream valley would remain as open as possible. The semi-enclosed outdoor areas face the quiet Oude Rijksweg.
In our design for the nursing home, all residents' rooms and other areas are projected in the U-shape. A recreation room / restaurant with a glass curtain wall has been added to this building volume. This partially closes the U-shape and creates some privacy in the courtyard. Given the beautiful location on the edge of Gulpen with lots of greenery, we have chosen to give the building a natural look by providing the facades with maintenance-free wooden rebate parts, alternating with floor-to-ceiling fronts with French balconies. The upper floors are accentuated with prefab concrete strips, the whole being framed with dark red facade masonry.
Client: Envida Contractor: BAM Woningbouw Weert Design: ir. H.F.M.J. Verheij Design & Completion: 2008 - 2013
