On the Westhovenplein five apartment buildings have been realised within a communal garden. Three of these form a psychogeriatric care facility, the other two are social housing, with a total of 142 apartments.

Context
Moerwijk is a typical Dudok neighbourhood. The urban plan centres between building blocks and a “stamp” plan. The neighbourhood has a mainly green character. On various places, there are differentiated volumes with an equally differentiated programme. As was on the location Westhovenplein, where a high school was situated.

Concept
The starting points were formulated in a workshop with all involved parties. Here, additional to the residential programme, the social value was deemed pivotal. In short: creating a community. The ‘Blue Zones’ by Dan Buettner was an important source of inspiration. This led to the concept of “living together, caring together”.

Design
The concept, combined with the green character of the neighbourhood, resulted in the design of an ensemble of buildings in a communal garden. Each building has a communal space on the ground floor, directly connected to the garden. Raising the edge of the garden by 60cm created a natural transition between public and private. Less mobile residents have a direct connection with the garden in a standing, seated and reclined position due to the large window openings.

Realisation
During the execution, much of the attention goes towards materials, colours and detailing. The design finds its legitimation in its spatial value. The shaped brick which accentuates the human scale of the floors characterises this. It has been specially tailored for this project. The garden design connects carefully with the residential care programme, realising the concept into the smallest detail.