Parkweelde 3 (phase 1) comprises four buildings developed by the housing association De Alliantie, featuring 214 homes within the social and middle rental sectors. This project is part of a broader renewal initiative in the Kruiskamp district, aimed at increasing housing availability, offering a wider range of housing typologies, and enhancing public spaces. The appearance is defined by meticulously detailed architecture and timeless materials, including brickwork, concrete, and glass. Sustainable building systems and climate adaptation measures, along with considerations for biodiversity, contribute to the project's future viability.

The Bigger Picture

Parkweelde 3 is a follow-up initiative addressing the Van Randwijklaan and its surroundings in Kruiskamp. Previously, the neighbourhood had been identified in the media as problematic—due to issues related to housing typologies and differentiation, property management, public spaces, and household compositions. As a result, the decision was made to partially demolish houses and to renew the living environment.

Parkweelde 2 and 3 are urban planning efforts designed to increase density along the Magelhaenstraat and its vicinity, where:

·         new building blocks align with the footprint of existing structures;

·         a soundproof façade is implemented in response to the increasingly busy Ringweg Kruiskamp;

·         parking in public areas along Vasco da Gamastraat is removed;

·         stacked building blocks on the west side of Magelhaenstraat are replaced with low-rise structures.

New Assignment

At the same time, a densification task is being executed in the area. While Kruiskamp was once a quiet suburb, it is now more centrally located in the city, directly connected to the old city centre, making it an attractive place to live. Additionally, a diverse range of housing typologies has been chosen, offering larger and smaller homes for a varied target group within the more affordable and middle rental sectors.

Alongside the goal of revitalizing the central public space with greenery, climate adaptation is also crucial. Kruiskamp had been prone to flooding even before the construction of the Afsluitdijk, and the issue of water storage in this low-lying area of the city has become relevant once more. Implementing water retention beneath parking areas and constructing wadis in the green courtyards enhance the project's climate resilience. Additionally, covered pergolas made from circular recycled materials offer greenery and cooling effects.

Respect for the Traditions of Amersfoort: David Zuiderhoek

In the architectural design, efforts were made to connect with Amersfoort's specific style and the rich architecture of David Zuiderhoek from the period when the neighbourhood was developed. This was thoroughly analysed during the urban design phase in the aesthetic masterplan by Steenhuis Bukman Architecten. A level of coherence with the projects already completed in Kruiskamp was of course also important.

By intelligently utilizing angular distortions, height variations, and tapered balconies, a dynamic composition is achieved. The stacking of different housing typologies is reflected in the façade, enriching its overall design. Careful selection of materials results in a high-quality appearance.