103-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG

De Koningin

When Palace meets Warehouse

The Kraanbolwerk, a peninsula just a stone’s throw away from the historic city centre of Zwolle, has been redesigned to create a unique residential zone. On behalf of property developer Van Wonen Vastgoedontwikkeling, Zecc Architecten designed De Koningin (The Queen) – an apartment block – and eight townhouses. This imposing city island combines urban influences with a characterful sense of intricacy. The Kraanbolwerk is anything but a standard suburban residential development.

The Kraanbolwerk, surrounded by the Zwarte Water River, previously served as a defensive bastion to protect the inner harbour and crane gate of this Hanseatic city. Its unique location at the heart of the city traditionally provided ideal conditions for trade and industry to develop. The Thorbeckegracht was characterised by a mixture of merchants’ houses and luxury canal-side mansions and the Friesewal was known for its warehouses. The demolition of the old factories and warehouses created space for a diverse programme of residential buildings on top of a parking layer. The development and positioning of the new residential properties deliberately took advantage of the historic atmosphere of the narrow alleyways and intimate courtyards.

City silhouette
With its ten floors,De Koningin is the tallest building in the Kraanbolwerk. The industrial heritage played an instrumental role in the design process, which aimed to create a building that is a combination of a warehouse and a palace. A building with an expressively rich visual language. The tall roof section with double dormer windows features palatial references, and the vertical brick pilasters reflect the area’s industrial character and warehouse architecture. The pilasters provide clear direction to the building, giving it a stately, chic appeal. With her gold-coloured metal-plated roof, this Queen literally comes complete with her own crown. This adds a new silhouette to the Zwolle cityscape alongside the familiar Peperbus tower. For the whole Kraanbolwerk area, De Koningin also serves as a gateway because the entrance to the car park for the whole peninsula is located here. This made its construction even more complex.

The Ladies in Waiting
Any ‘Queen’ is incomplete without her ‘ladies in waiting’. De Koningin building and the eight townhouses have just this relationship. The two structures have been derived from each other. Both come complete with a gold-coloured metal roof and vertical masonry work. However, the ladies in waiting mark a shift in scale compared to De Koningin. Alongside the industrial references, sustainability played a key role in this project. The entrances all feature natural stone. This material ages over the course of the years, enhancing the building’s appearance as time passes. The building rests well within its historic city centre context, nestling nicely in the city atmosphere. It is climate- and rain-proof because the height gauge of the residential properties deliberately takes account of a potential future increase in water levels. The golden crown is also fitted with solar panels.

Vibrant and varied
The result is a particularly varied range of residential properties. The apartments in De Koningin vary in size from 35 sq. m. to 190 sq. m. These range from small starter flats on the lower floors to large penthouses at the top with a living area more than five times the size of the smaller flats. The interior effectively takes account of the position of outdoor areas allowing for privacy and orientation, views, natural daylight, and flexible layouts. The eight townhouses come complete with garden and optional roof terrace and are located between cosy streets and squares. A narrow private zone for the residential properties features seating and a covered area, ensuring residents have a place of their own. The studio apartments also all feature a private area facing the street, adding even more vibrancy to the street scene. Together with her ladies in waiting, De Koningin forms a well-balanced mix of small-scale warmth and urban living.

Images: Stijn Poelstra
Render: Theo van Leur

location:
Zwolle
category:
Housing
m2:
4.000
client:
Van Wonen Vastgoedontwikkeling
Team:
Nijhuis Bouw, Alferink van Schieveen, Nieman, Hulstflier
program:
apartments, housing
period:
2016 - 2020
Download PDF
1209_BKP_Kraanbolwerk_klein.jpg
30-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
191-0-000_test_situatie.jpg
32-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
34-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.jpg
04-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
07-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
02-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-section.jpg
19-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
09-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
12-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
De_Koningin-Zecc-apartments-masonry-render_02.jpg
26-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
33-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG
28-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.jpg
29-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG

More Housing

  • Zecc-Nobelkwartier-De_Bilt-Sporthal-housing-front-r.jpg

    Nobelkwartier De Bilt

    location:
    De Bilt
    category:
    Housing, Interior, Public buildings
    m2:
    6.400
    client:
    Gemeente De Bilt / H.F. Witte Centrum / SSW
    Team:
    IBT, DWA, M3E, Anyverse, Odin Wenting bouwadvies
    program:
    sportcentre, meeting center with catering, 10 appartements, 8 ggb
    period:
    2019 - present
  • Zecc-Janninkkwartier-Enschede-housing-exterior-head.jpg

    Janninkkwartier Enschede

    location:
    Enschede
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Van Wonen Vastgoedontwikkeling
    Team:
    Nijhuis Rijssen, Alferink van Schieveen, Peutz
    program:
    30 private sector rental houses
    period:
    2018 - 2022
  • 1Zecc-G8-Tango-housing-Utrecht_LRC-exterior-corner.jpg

    Leidsche Rijn Centrum G8

    location:
    LEIDSCHE RIJN CENTRUM Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    19.000
    client:
    BAM
    Team:
    BUREAUVANEIG
    program:
    178 APARTMENTS, parking garage
    period:
    2018 - 2023
  • 1Zecc-Merwede-Kanaalzone-Housing-Oeverpark.jpg

    Merwede Canal Zone Utrecht

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    60.000
    client:
    AM / Synchroon
    Team:
    Bura Urbanism, LEVS architecten, Paul de Ruiter Architects
    period:
    2022 - present
  • 1Zecc-Solitair-housing-Utrecht-exterior-entrance-det.JPG

    Solo Cartesiusdriehoek

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    8.200
    client:
    Keystone vastgoed
    Team:
    Wessels Zeist, Pieters bouwtechniek, Ingenieursbureau Deuring
    program:
    apartments, retail
    period:
    2018 - 2023
  • 31478_-_Ext_04_c_Beeldenfabriek..jpg

    Zuidkade Scheveningen

    location:
    Scheveningen
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    4500m2 appartementen en 600m2 bedrijfsruimte
    client:
    De Zuid C.V.: MRP Development en VORM Ontwikkeling
    Team:
    LEVS architecten, Hoyt architecten, Copijn landschapsarchitecten
    program:
    33 apartments
    period:
    2021 – present
  • 2Zecc-Coberco-kwartier-Arnhem-housing-birdview.jpg

    Cobercokwartier Arnhem

    location:
    Arnhem
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    m2:
    16.000
    client:
    BPD Ontwikkeling
    Team:
    Delva Landscape, Orange Architects, StudioSpacious
    program:
    66 apartements, 30 ground-level residences
    period:
    2021 - present
  • Zecc-Duvelhof-housing-transformation-Tilburg-courty.jpg

    Duvel Tilburg

    location:
    Tilburg
    category:
    Housing, Transformations, Public buildings, Urban research
    m2:
    8.100
    Team:
    Studio REDD, Nico de bont, Hazenberg Bouw, De Bouwecoloog
    period:
    2020 - present
  • Zecc-Kruitfabriek_Muiden-housing_-retail2.jpg

    Kruitfabriek Muiden

    location:
    Muiden
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    KNSF Vastgoed en Ahold
  • 1Zecc-KPN-hof-Apeldoorn-header.jpg

    location:
    Apeldoorn
    category:
    Housing, Transformations, Urban research
    client:
    Explorius
    Team:
    Flux Landscape, Gemeente Apeldoorn
  • 1Zecc-De_Laak_3.9-Amersfoort_Vathorst-housing-exteri.jpg

    De Staalmeester

    location:
    Amersfoort Vathorst
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    2.350
    client:
    Van Bekkum
    Team:
    M3E, WSP, Massop, Peutz, Ecoresult
    program:
    27 apartements
    period:
    2020 - present
  • 02-Zecc_Architecten-Zwolle-KBW-De_Koningin-housing-.JPG

    De Koningin

    location:
    Zwolle
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    4.000
    client:
    Van Wonen Vastgoedontwikkeling
    Team:
    Nijhuis Bouw, Alferink van Schieveen, Nieman, Hulstflier
    program:
    apartments, housing
    period:
    2016 - 2020
  • Zecc-Fred_Roeskestraat-Amsterdam-housing-impressie.jpg

    Duet Amsterdam

    location:
    Amsterdam
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Eigen Haard
    Team:
    Hillen & Roosen
    period:
    2022 - present
  • Zecc_Architecten-Krimpen_ad_IJssel-aanzicht_vanaf_h.jpg

    De Oude Werf Krimpen

    location:
    Krimpen aan den IJssel
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Gemeente Krimpen aan den IJssel
    Team:
    Jasper Smits, Jos van de Lindeloof, De Langen & van den Berg
    program:
    apartments and ground-level residences
    period:
    2022 - present
  • Zecc-woontoren-Porto-Duin-housing-apartments-exteri.jpg

    Dune tower Porto

    location:
    Almere Duin
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Amvest
    Team:
    Klunder Architecten, Amvest, ZUS [Zones Urbaines Sensibles]
    program:
    102 apartments
    period:
    2020 - present
  • SP2022-Wisselspoor-2-LowRes_-_website.JPG

    Wisselspoor Utrecht

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    3.150
    client:
    Synchroon
    Team:
    Studio Ninedots, Delva Landschape, Space Encounters, Mees Visser, Gebroeders Blokland
    program:
    housing
    period:
    2017 - present
  • 16_Zecc-De_Laak-Amersfoort-housing-W19.JPG

    W19 Vathorst

    location:
    Amersfoort
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    De Alliantie
    Team:
    Heijmans Bouw, Olde Rikkert Bouw
    program:
    32 gallery homes (phase 1) and 21 social rental apartments (phase 2)
    period:
    2018 - 2022
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-Klaprozenweg-ensemble-voorgevel.jpg

    Klaprozenweg Amsterdam

    location:
    Amsterdam-Noord
    category:
    Housing, Public buildings
    client:
    Urban Fabric en Hoorne Vastgoed
    Team:
    Buro Ruim
    program:
    Supermarket, 86 rental apartments, commercial plinth, underground parking
    period:
    2022 - present
  • SP2022-BU31-Utrecht-16-LowRes.JPG

    BU31 Utrecht

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    4.850
    client:
    MBB Ontwikkeling
    Team:
    MBB, Lievense-WSP, LBP Sight
    program:
    46 apartments and parking garage
    period:
    2011 - 2022
  • 1Zecc_Architecten-KCAP-Zutphen-Noorderhaven-housing_.jpg

    Noorderhaven Kade Noord

    location:
    Zutphen
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    21.000
    client:
    Heijmans Vastgoed
    Team:
    KCAP Architects & Planners
    program:
    apartments, dwellings
    period:
    2017 - 2021
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-De_Waterman-Havenkwartier-Rijsw.jpg

    The Waterman

    location:
    Rijswijk
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    BPS Real Estate / Rebirth Development
    Team:
    Studio Hartzema
    program:
    120 apartments
    period:
    2022 - present
  • Zecc-Eiland_Meerstad-Groningen-housing-masonry-15.JPG

    The island Meerstad

    location:
    Groningen
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    5.300
    Team:
    LAP Landscape & Urban Design
    program:
    27 ground-level residences
    period:
    2017 - 2021
  • 1Zecc-Kruisvaartkade-nieuwsbrief-juli.jpg

    Kruisvaartkade S6

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    MRP Kruisvaartkade BV
    Team:
    VORM ontwikkelt MRP Development
    program:
    apartments and ground-level residences
    period:
    2021 - heden
  • 1Zecc_Architecten-Ruimzicht_Den_Haag-48.jpg

    Ruimzicht Den Haag

    location:
    Den Haag
    category:
    Housing, Transformations
    client:
    Staedion/ Heijmans Vastgoed
    program:
    81 apartments
    period:
    2020 - present
  • 03-Zecc_Architecten-BSH-Amsterdam-social_housing-ma.JPG

    De Bolder Buiksloterham

    location:
    Amsterdam
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    4.000
    client:
    De Alliantie
    Team:
    Hurks
    program:
    social housing apartments, multifuctional space
    period:
    2015 - 2020
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-Tiel-De_Ark-housing-residential.JPG

    De Ark Tiel

    location:
    Tiel
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    1.500
    Team:
    De Bonth van Hulten, Laplab, Ingenieurs bureau van Ierssel
  • Zecc_Architecten-JdW-Woerden-masonry-ceramic-urban-.jpg

    Johan de Wittlaan

    location:
    Woerden
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    m2:
    19.000
    client:
    Synchroon
    Team:
    LAP, IMd, BuroBouwfysica, Visscher installatie advies
    program:
    apartments, dwellings
    period:
    2017 - present
  • Meysters-Buiten-Zecc-round_plan-apartments-zinc-02.JPG

    Tower apartments Meyster's Buiten

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    1.500
    client:
    vof. Meyster's Buiten
    program:
    16 apartments of 120 m2
    period:
    2011 - 2017
  • Zecc-Bolk_-Enschede-housing-front.jpg

    ‘t Bölke

    location:
    Enschede
    category:
    Housing
    Team:
    Ska-pa, Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-Mauritsstraat_Zaandam_housing.jpg

    Mauritsstraat

    location:
    Zaandam
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    client:
    Borghese
    Team:
    LAP Landscape & Urban Design
  • 00-Zecc_Architecten-De_Laak-Amersfoort-housing-maso.JPG

    De Laak

    location:
    Amersfoort
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    550, 2400
    client:
    De Alliantie
    Team:
    Heijmans Bouw, Nieman, Strackee
    program:
    apartments, housing
    period:
    2016 - 2019
  • 7Zecc_Architecten-housing-Boxmeer-masonry-aluminium_.JPG

    Care housing Weijerstaete

    location:
    Boxmeer
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    5.600
    client:
    Mooiland Vastgoed / Van der Heijden
    Team:
    Van der Heijden, Fit Ingenieurs, VIAC
    program:
    care apartments
    period:
    2011 - 2016
  • 13-Zecc_Architecten-Rijnvliet_housing.JPG

    Rijnvliet Midden

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    5600, 240, 300
    client:
    Van Wanrooij Projectontwikkeling B.V.
    Team:
    De Zwarte Hond, Bedeaux de Brouwer, Hans Been, Felixx Landscape architects & planners
    program:
    apartments, housing
    period:
    2019 - heden
  • 18-Zecc_Architecten-Surplus-Zeist-Apartment_buildin.JPG

    CPO Zeisterwerf

    location:
    Zeist
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    4.000
    client:
    CPO Vereniging Surplus
    Team:
    Salverda Bouw
    program:
    apartments, communal area
    period:
    2015 - present
  • Boothstraat-Zecc-transformation-masonry_lamellae-04.JPG

    Student housing

    location:
    Utrecht
    category:
    Housing, Transformations
    Team:
    Versteeg Utrecht
    program:
    student housing
    period:
    2014 - 2016
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-Terrasgebouw-Faro-Delva_Landsca.jpg

    Wanderlust

    location:
    Leidsche Rijn Centrum
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    m2:
    11.000
    client:
    HBB Ontwikkeling
    Team:
    Faro, Delva Landscape, ARUP
    program:
    apartments, housing
    period:
    2019
  • 121-Zecc_Architecten-Monnickenhof-Amersfoort-housing.JPG

    Monnickenhof

    location:
    Amersfoort
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    2.400
    client:
    Schipper Bosch
    Team:
    Van Bekkum
    program:
    housing
    period:
    2015 - 2019
  • 16hoven-02-masonry-housing-park-Zecc_Architecten.jpg

    Park Zestienhoven

    location:
    Rotterdam
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    client:
    Blauwhoed
    Team:
    Lodewijk Baljon
    program:
    apartments, dwellings, leisure
    period:
    2019
  • 1Zecc-Heijmans-Groningen-Eemskwartier-housing-masonr.jpg

    Eemskwartier

    location:
    Groningen
    category:
    Housing, Urban research
    client:
    Heijmans Vastgoed
    Team:
    Heijmans Bouw
    program:
    66 houses and 111 apartments
    period:
    2012 - 2017
  • 01-Zecc_Architecten-Defensieeiland-Woerden-housing-.JPG

    Defence Island

    location:
    Woerden
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    1.100
    client:
    Blauwhoed Vorm
    Team:
    Karres en Brands, Groosman, Braaksma en Roos
    program:
    apartments, housing
    period:
    2017 - 2020
  • Zecc_Architecten-transformation-housing-masonry-Ams.jpg

    Research Redevelopment Telephone Building

    location:
    Amsterdam
    category:
    Housing, Transformations
    m2:
    3.300
    client:
    Aham Vastgoed
    Team:
    Van Rossum
    program:
    apartments
    period:
    2016 (competition)
  • nieuwbouw_projectmatig_amersfoort_vathorst_studio_w.jpg

    Starter Apartments

    location:
    Amersfoort
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Heijmans Amersfoort
    Team:
    Heijmans bouw
    program:
    18 small apartments
    period:
    2005 - 2010
  • 6WEL_Etten-Leur_Design_and_Build_Zecc-Van_Wijnen_Zui.JPG

    56 apartments

    location:
    Etten-Leur
    category:
    Housing
    m2:
    6.300
    client:
    Van Wijnen Zuid / WEL
    Team:
    Van Wijnen Zuid
    program:
    56 apartments
    period:
    2013 - 2014
  • nieuwbouw_projectmatig_kadewoning_eemskanaal_gronin.jpg

    Quay Houses

    location:
    Groningen
    category:
    Housing
    client:
    Heijmans Assen
    Team:
    Heijmans Bouw
    program:
    25 large dwellings
    period:
    2004 - begin 2010