Nijmegen Social Housing
The Volksbelang Foundation called for entries from around the world in order to find a design that would boost the development of environmentally friendly solutions that can be applied in the construction of affordable homes. The designs had to be smart and creative while using techniques that deliver energy-efficient, circularly built homes for a large number of occupants.
By definition, an energy-efficient home ensures residents use less energy, makes little use of auxiliary energy, and meet the minimum BENG standards. Circular construction is based on the use of sustainable and recyclable products. By incorporating recyclable materials and products into the construction, there is added value due to the ability to reuse materials in the future.
Social housing is often created in the cheapest way possible with little consideration for the experiences of residents and the benefits they could potentially deliver to the communities. This project not only focuses on affordable sustainable design, but also aims to provide a strong sense of community and belonging, creating environments that encourage social sustainability, which ultimately will benefit the neighbourhood of Hof Van Holland.
Concept
The building is offset to the west riverside to allow for parking spaces to the east road as well as add more connection to the river, making the riverside more fun and lively, with easier access to the bike and pedestrian path along the riverside. With the majority of the façade facing west and east, avoiding noise coming from the north road and primary school from the south. Inspired by the local history and rich horticulture of the Nijmegen city, every unit of the design will have a terrace garden, creating a forested façade that engage the ecology and connects the community. Shared green public spaces help visually connect the east and west, as well as boost social, health and mental wellbeing, connecting back to the city’s rich biodiverse and agricultural history.
Facade
The push in and out of the units provides an irregular, unbalance feel and look to the building, in combination with the materials creating a fresh, standardized and luxurious atmosphere. The way of how each unit organized help create privacy for each terrace garden, and smaller units are placed on higher levels to receive more sunlight. The project also aims to achieve zero-net energy, through passive measures and choice of local affordable materials, simple construction methods to minimise the energy consumption throughout the life of the project. This include using prefabricated materials like CLT, precast concreate with radiant floor heating and internal light partition walls that are not for load bearing. Central corridor circulation space provide stack ventilation with operable openings at the roof and sides to provide passive heating and cooling.
Sustainable features
The modules provide flexibility as it can be stacked like lego, allowing the design to be adaptable for assembling and reassembling for other sites. The typology of the units also allows for cross ventilation, with operable openings on both sides to provide natural light penetrating into the bedroom and living spaces. The result is a comfortable and efficient residential complex, creating a sense of place and adding social housing value, benefitting its surrounding neighbourhood and create an opportunity to revitalise the north of Nijmegen.
