The residential complex on the Groningse Bloemsingel forms the keystone of the more than 25-year development of the former Circus, Boden and Gas terrain. In the now called Ebbingekwartier, the large-scale residential complex is the first building that evokes the atmosphere of the industrial past in both urban design and facade architecture.

The closed building block forms a clear counterpart to the "scotches" which were the original starting point for the area. Breakthroughs in the block mean a return to streets and squares, which provide intimate meeting spaces. By dividing the high-rise accent on the northeast side into three different characteristic building parts, the human dimension is preserved. 

Despite the complex starting position of building on an existing parking garage and the high density, a relaxed living climate has been created by paying a lot of attention to the sunlight of individual outdoor spaces and the careful transition between public and private.

The 95 homes in total largely have their own character, due to the great variation in floor plans and facades. There are homes that are based on warehouses, a director's villa and various industrial buildings.

The scale and robustness of the former warehouses and factories provide a visual anchor that unifies the complex. Diversity is created by the alternation of different roof shapes, roof structures and the rhythm in the facades, as seen on old archive images. This creates a recognizable yet contemporary translation of the buildings that once stood on the Ebbingekwartier. 

The layout of the public space was created in collaboration with the Municipality of Groningen. Ramps and planters are made of Corten steel and are in line with the rest of the Ebbingekwartier. The parking deck is fitted with plant suits at strategic locations so that the public streets have a greener character. 

Team:
Architect: DAAD Architecten b.v.
Photography: Walter Frisart FOTOwerk