Quay Houses

On the South-east side of Groningen an industrial area has become indistinct. Therefore a large constructing area for a housing project became available. A few existing buildings on the waterside stay in their original condition. On the other areas big enclosed building blocks will be realised. These building blocks have a large common courtyard and a constructed parking place. The urban plan contains an apartment building designed by Mecanoo, and a row houses along the water, designed by Zecc. The difference in height between these two elements is distinguished.

Our design contains houses with 4 levels. The houses are being build in a row, but all of them have an individual character. This individual expression is realised by the sculptural design of the entrance stairs, the vertical articulation of the houses and the different sorting of brickwork used for the façades. The lower two levels are realised as a split-level. This is to create privacy on the road side and, at the same time, realize a nice high kitchen on the private, terrace side.

Images: Rob de Jong Saph