Ten Hoorn/ Laan van de Vrede at Bouw Anders design event

As part of the design manifestation Bouw Anders, Groningen is currently showing an exhibition of eighteen plans by architects for housing locations in the city.  Unlike the usual concepts, the projects demonstrate more variety, other forms of development, high-quality architecture, good public space and buildings that really improve the city. And all preferably sustainable, nature-inclusive and affordable. De Zwarte Hond contributes with a new building and a redesign of the surroundings on the Laan van de Vrede.

Ten Hoorn
Location for the Ten Hoorn plan is the site of the Gyas rowing club, a school and a playground. The plot is next to the A28/A7 motorway junction, which will be made level as part of the renovation of the southern Ring Road. The plan consists of a residential building with additional functions and an improved layout of its immediate surroundings.

The public space will change quite abruptly from a stony urban character to green and natural cycling and walking routes along the Drentse A and the Paterswoldsemeer. This transition will be more carefully designed in the new situation, with more space for activity by constructing an urban beach at the water's edge and a landing area for boats, complementing the dynamics of the rowing club.

Because Laan van de Vrede is within walking distance of Groningen's main train station, it can accommodate a large programme without investing in new infrastructure or built parking facilities. Hence the idea of adding functions such as catering and live-work functions in the plinth of the proposed building, in addition to housing.

Wooden support structure
The building has a wooden structure to support both horizontal and vertical loads, with no addition of concrete. The basic structure consists of a 3.6m by 3.6m grid of wooden cross-shaped elements. This structure offers a lot of freedom for the design of the building. Thus, accesses, dwellings and other spaces are adaptable and switchable.

The structure allows all kinds of different housing units for one-, two-, three- and multi-person households. By making smarter use of floor plans, a 40-square-metre flat, for example, can still be easily occupied by two people. In addition, the structure can easily be adapted to new living requirements in the future.

Due to the separation of support and timber construction, dry construction and more prefabrication is possible. This also allows the finishing phase to be integrated earlier. The finishing level of the built-in package is therefore made better, the package lasts longer and is thus much more durable.
View the extended version of the plan (in Dutch).