Start of constructing Stadswerf, Europan 6 project by Casanova+Hernandez Architects
July 2010

In Groningen construction has commenced on the winning project design by Casanova+Hernandez Architecten for the international competition Europan 6 in 2000. Frank de Vries, Alderman for Spatial Planning, heralded the start on 28 June 2010.
 

Architect Helena Casanova García and alderman Frank de Vries

The long-term design process comprised the development of a master plan for an area of 2.9 ha, a landscape design and an architectural design for 203 housing units and a basement car park for 160 cars. Thanks to the mix of a strong conceptual basis and a flexible process, the project was able to survive two worldwide crises by constantly incorporating many modifications in the programme and adjusting to the new social and economic requirements.

The project combines the spirit of the elongated urban housing blocks planned by Berlage in the area with an experimental housing programme based on a mix of housing typologies, flexible housing, a combination of residential and working functions and the personalisation of the home by the owner.
 

Red carpet to the site

During the design process an apartment block was added to the design in response to the request for housing for the elderly combined with apartments for the disabled. In conjunction with this housing for the disabled [referred to as ADL housing in Dutch], a 24-hour care unit has been included within the "Fokusprogramma".

The "container", situated along the canal, has been designed as a long, flexible volume with a glassy façade, inside of whic

h five different housing layouts are possible offering varying spatial and functional qualities such as double height areas, residential-work facilities or unusual external space such as roof patios.
 

The official start

The super shell housing explores the limits of maximum flexibility in a housing design, whereby occupants can choose a façade and determine the entire interior: from the functions on each floor (living. sleeping, working, retail) to the position of the rooms (kitchen, toilets, bathrooms, studio and bedrooms).

An integrated landscape intervention lends homogeneity to the complex. This is thanks to a pedestrian street that works as a "third façade". In this way the housing façades and the functions within are integrated with the public space and the urban furniture. At the same time there are two public squares with meeting areas for the elderly and disabled, and playing areas for children.