DeBuurt

Mixed-use urban program contributes to the positive transformation of Overvecht

Overvecht is characterized by a relatively high number of high-rise buildings in a park-like urban setting. No fewer than 170 nationalities bring color to the neighborhood. Here, AM is developing a mixed-use urban program that contributes to the positive transformation of this neighborhood. DeBuurt will soon consist of three unique buildings with Healthy Urban Living as its central theme. Paul de Ruiter Architects designed the outer two buildings in close coordination with NL Architects, responsible for the middle building. Flux landscape architecture is adding the design of the public space and the communal green courtyards.

A vibrant, inspiring, and socially sustainable place

Together, we are making DeBuurt a vibrant, inspiring, and socially sustainable place with a focus on entrepreneurship, learning, health, culture, and creativity. By incorporating a wide variety of housing types into the residential program, we are responding to the housing needs of various target groups. A conscious decision was made to combine housing and amenities on the ground floor. Lively inner streets and a high level of social safety are the result. The courtyards, the green strip along the water, and the low-traffic inner streets are places where residents meet. In addition to these outdoor spaces, the Superplint, with its monumental central hall for a variety of activities and adjacent restaurants, is an important meeting place for DeBuurt. By connecting to the shopping center, the strip strengthens the area's central function. This location will soon be shaped not only by residents and entrepreneurs from Overvecht, but also by trendsetters from other parts of the city. The result: a place where you can enjoy living and working, and one that challenges you to develop and utilize your talents.

Healthy urban living

An optimistic view of the neighborhood forms the basis of the design of the buildings by Paul de Ruiter Architects. It is the diversity of residents that gives an area its vibrancy and color. DeBuurt therefore offers a wide variety of housing types suitable for diverse target groups such as first-time buyers, those moving up the housing ladder, families, seniors, and residents with care needs. This creates a balanced living environment. We are creating various meeting places where residents can connect, help, and inspire each other. This creates a vibrant living environment and increases interaction between the various residents, promoting social cohesion.

A Recognizable Silhouette from the Overvecht Shopping Center

The three enclosed building blocks are designed as a single ensemble. They are cohesive thanks to the equal width and height of their six floors. Furthermore, all three blocks are constructed of brick. Within this strong foundation, there is a great deal of diversity in the use of materials and architecture. The recognizable silhouette is clearly visible from the Overvecht Shopping Center and invites further exploration. The blocks offer space for 334 homes ranging from 40 to 120 m², most of which will be built in the mid-priced rental segment. The residential program is diverse and mixed-use, and consists primarily of 2-, 3-, and 4-room apartments suitable for young people, families, and seniors. There are also assisted living units, housing for shared living, and live-work units. All homes are habitable and accessible in accordance with the "Utrecht Accessible Standard" and are suitable for people of all ages. To create spaces for socializing and encouraging outdoor activities, a communal courtyard garden has been created on the second floor of each building. Large openings in the building blocks visually connect the courtyard garden with the surrounding area. The courtyard gardens are accessible only to residents and form the green heart of each block. In addition to using the communal courtyard garden, all residents can enjoy their own private outdoor space in the form of a (French) balcony, loggia, or terrace. The ground-floor homes in blocks 1a and 1c have a balcony as well as private outdoor space on the street. This so-called "marginal strip" contributes to the liveliness of the street. Each block has its own bicycle shed, located directly next to the general entrance for safety reasons. Residents of blocks 1a and 1c also have access to an indoor parking garage. They can access their homes from the garage. Residents of block 1b can also use these garages, adding to the street's dynamic atmosphere.

A breeding ground for talent and creativity

A healthy neighborhood is also a place where you are encouraged to get the best out of yourself. That's why, in addition to housing, our design also offers a broad range of functions to develop talent: the "center functions." These include the "Workshop," where entrepreneurship is combined with opportunities for hidden talent; the "Culture Hub," where you can experience culture and be inspired to get started; and the "Event Space," where you can discover your own talent through inspiring exhibitions, lectures, and activities. We also foster amateur talent by facilitating various workshops, courses, and neighborhood initiatives. We've concentrated this creativity, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit in the Superplint area of block 1b. Together with the adjacent cafes and restaurants, this will become the new meeting place for DeBuurt, buzzing with energy both day and night. This has a positive effect on the sense of safety and contributes to the strengthening and revitalization of the Overvecht center area. The affordable rent of the Superplint makes it an attractive location for Utrecht's entrepreneurial community. To precisely fulfill these functions, we collaborate with a unique team of Utrecht-based designers, artists, event specialists, and commercial partners. These live/work spaces are situated on the inner street opposite the Superplint. This mix of functions and target groups creates a vibrant inner street. This is enhanced by the fact that the main entrances to the residential blocks are also located on these inner streets. This ensures a constant flow of activity and supervision, ensuring public safety.

Improving Sustainability

DeBuurt is boosting sustainability and will be a model project in Utrecht. The homes are all electric and therefore gas-free. We achieved the maximum EPC and GPR scores of -0.02 and 8.5, respectively. These scores were achieved by generating clean energy ourselves through PV panels on the roof and an individual thermal energy storage system for each home. Good sound insulation, and individual cooling, heating, and ventilation systems for each resident contribute to the health of the buildings. Furthermore, significant attention is paid to the usability, accessibility, and flexibility of the residential blocks.