Located at the Havenkwartier in Deventer (NL), KOP is a contemporary residential building with affordable, collective and sustainable living units for startes and vital seniors. Commissioned by O|M|A Apeldoorn and Nijhuis, the building was designed by WoonWerk Architecten, drawing inspiration from the industrial site characteristics, while introducing an innovative living space that fosters social interactions.
In recent years, the Havenkwartier has evolved from its industrial past into a hub of creativity, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, self-builders, and collaborative projects. WoonWerk Architecten has significantly contributed to this transformation with projects like "Foyer Bodenloods" and the development vision for the area "Room for Ideas". KOP stands out with its two distinct facades, facing both the city and the harbor, positioning it as a key link between the city center and the waterfront. Its design reflects the dynamic energy of the area, emphasizing the significance of this vibrant and emerging urban district.
DESIGN APPROACH
WoonWerk architecten designed and realized the new building as a composition of three distinct parts: First, the historical building, De Koopman, was mostly preserved and now provides space for communal functions, including a roof terrace and a multipurpose space. Second, The circulation tower was envisioned as an external element with respect to the industrial aesthetics and surroundings, exposing movement of people throughout the building. Lastly, the ‘straightforward’ brick residential volume offers a variety of housing typologies through smart and efficient stacking, reducing construction costs and ensuring sustainable building practices.
RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION AND SUSTAINABILE LIVING
To ensure affordable housing, WoonWerk partnered with contractor Nijhuis, utilizing the Trento system—an innovative method where building elements are fully manufactured off-site and assembled on-site without delays. This approach streamlined the construction process, keeping the site efficient and manageable. In addition to the advanced construction system, the building incorporates various sustainable features: A roof garden as a retention roof to store and gradually release rainwater, solar panels, a heat pump for heating and hot water supply, and ventilation systems featuring heat recovery and floor heating. The integration of sustainable technologies into the overall design helps reduce construction costs while promoting long-term, eco-friendly living conditions that can adapt to future needs.
AFFORDABILITY
With KOP, WoonWerk accomplished making affordable housing a special and deserved practice that stands out and fits in its local context. The rational and economical design strategies were translated into uncompromised living conditions, from materiality, insulation, consistent grid structure, shared public spaces and efficient compilation of housing typologies.
SOCIAL IDENTITY
The design of KOP plays a role in shaping a new image for the Havenkwartier. The external circulation tower and spacious galleries offer new ways of collective living, where social gatherings are integral part of the living environment. The project is designed to maximize public activity, featuring different positions of individual and shared building access and common meeting places.
