Kempkensberg under construction

Construction of the Kempkensberg housing project in Groningen is progressing well. Commissioned by Slokker Vastgoed, De Zwarte Hond designed a residential complex comprising 36 owner-occupied- and 40 rental apartments. Together with the adjacent DUO building designed by UNStudio, the building faces a public urban garden. The location is close to the Ring Zuid highway. A new overpass here will greatly improve the connection between the site and the city centre. The site once formed part of the Helperlinie defence line.

Facing south, the earthquake-proof complex comprises two elongated five-storey volumes set atop a shared car park. A central square between the two volumes serves as the main access point into the complex, and resembles an urban balcony viewing over the park. The buildings’ horizontal emphasis and light colour connect well to the architecture of the adjacent DUO building.

Besides being rental or owner-occupied, the apartments also vary in size, ranging from 90m2 to 200m2. This allows the building to attract a wide range of residents resulting in a lively mixed community.