WoZoCo's apartments for the elderly, Amsterdam, Netherlands


Related people
Addison Godel (was created by)
MVRDV (architect)
Winy Maas (architect)
Description
"The client, a large housing corporation, had made general studies of the arrangement of 100 units for elderly people, as part of intensification of a 60's neighborhood. They wanted to have a gallery-type circulation but were not able to fit in the units in acceptable way. To still provide adequate sunlight into the surrounding buildings only 87 of the 100 units could be realized within the slab. Where could the remaining 13 dwellings be positioned? If they were put elsewhere on the site, the open space would be further reduced. A deeper slab with narrower units did not seem possible. The North-South orientation of the block meant that the generator had to be a 7.20 meter module. By cantilevering the remaining 13 units from the north façade, they are literally suspended in the air. The hanging East-West orientated types complete the North-South dwellings in the block with a view over the adjacent polder. An economic layout for the main slab could lead to savings of 7 to 8% of the cost, enough to compensate for the 50% more expensive hanging units. The Spartan gallery flat becomes acceptable. Each gallery is given a different perspective. By changing window positions, balcony sizes and varying balcony materials, the different flats acquire their own character. With the party walls constructed 8 cm thicker than structurally necessary (for sound insulation) it became possible to use this extra thickness for the connection of the cantilever trusses without having to increase the weight of the load-bearing walls" --http://www.mvrdv.nl/#/projects/realised/015wozoco
Style/Period
1990s (1990 - 1999)
Material
glass
wood (hardwood or softwood)