BLOK Y
December 2014 - 2017 Marc Koehler Architects
Note: this page serves portfolio purposes only. Please refer to the architect for original drawings, images and additional information.
Role
Assisted Marc Koehler in developing the form and general layout of the building. The form is a result of careful orientation, in which the kitchens and dining areas are orientated on the east so the inhabitants can enjoy their breakfast in the morning light. The living spaces and outdoor spaces are orientated to the west, with views on a collective garden so the inhabitants can end their day with a nice view and direct daylight. All houses in this block are unique, but through the base form of the building, their views and use of daylight are optimized. Throughout the concept development phase, I researched and modeled the building's form in 3D and visualized the design to communicate with the client.
Summary
Blok Y has an open framework of 6m high base building that is realized in form and layout in close agreement with the future homeowner. This provides a rich diversity in apartment types and residents; from mini-lofts (70m2) to family lofts (140m2), whereby every apartment has a unique design and layout. The concrete base building translates itself into a robust and detailed grid. As a result, the facade serves as a readable translation of the programmatic layout of the apartments. The importance and ample integration of light, fresh air and space demonstrate a contemporary architecture. The architecture of the base building is deliberately modest, while each unique apartment adds extraordinary accent to the whole by translating its story through the five to six meter windows in the façade.
Superlofts Blok Y’ objective is not only the realization of a residential building, but a platform in which knowledge and experiences are shared, creating a tightknit community. It is a project that actively stimulates citizenship, through community building and social cohesion. For example the community garden and public spaces creates opportunities for spontaneous interactions. In addition it provides more opportunities for personalization and self-expression that is not yet offered in the housing market. However, while already self-evident across other sectors, a conventional and highly standardized housing market has not yet been set up. It requires time, patience and good cooperation between all parties to bring about change. Superlofts has progressively strived to close this gap in recent years, and due to the realization of several Superlofts projects across the Netherlands, the beginning of the turning point is now clearly visible.
(Source, Marc Koehler Architects, 2018)
Information
Year
2017
Main program
Housing, Collective Garden
Surface
5.150 m2
Location
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Status
Completed
Client
Self-initiated, in collaboration with: Stichting Blok Y (Theo Stauetner, Herald Roelevink, Parcifal van den Berg), the cooperative of residents and Vink Bouw
Credits
Lead architect
Marc Koehler Architects
Collaborator
Initiatiefgroep Blok Y
Project architect
Roel van der Zeeuw
Process manager
Martijn van Sluijters
Team
Mitchel Ovens, Marc Verhoef, Dirk Overduin, Mariana Rebelo Fernandes, Edwin Tukker, Menno Brouwer, Tony Slothouber, Marijn Luijmes
Landscape architects
Marseilles Buiten
Contractor
Vink Bouw
Links
Isometric and plan. Image courtesy of Marc Koehler Architects
Exterior. Image courtesy of Marc Koehler Architects
Interiors. Image courtesy of Marc Koehler Architects