Sustainable mixed use project in Almere, The Netherlands

  • Date: 02 September 2009
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Almere, 2 February 2009 - Erick van Egeraat has won the competition for the Columbuskwartier housing project in the city of Almere, the Netherlands, with a unique design. A combination of apartments, retail, a restaurant and a public roof garden convinced the jury. Erick van Egeraat based the design on four principles: optimal positioning of building and outdoor space, integration of public and private areas, clear logistic lines and a natural and comfortable environment.

The Columbuskwartier project is situated at a major traffic junction in a district of Almere that is currently under development. It will serve as the entrance to the district and as such requires a strong image. Erick van Egeraat responded to this requirement by creating a concept with an outspoken sustainable, open and flexible character that stimulates social interaction. On the South side, the roof garden is accessible for the public from street level, covering the supermarket and parking underneath. It is formed by terraces, the highest of which are the gardens of the apartments. An organic greenhouse and restaurant are also located on the roof. This way, visitors can experience sustainable production in the green house and sustainable consumption in the restaurant and supermarket, all in one location. On the North side, retail and the entrance to the apartments are located at street level. Special attention was given to the social aspect of the housing; spacious galleries double as meeting areas with benches and flowers in the corridors. The apartments have a highly flexible layout; they can be set up according to individual demands. The building is composed of shifting volumes stacked on top of each other that rise above a glass façade, giving it a distinct and unique image.