Duinhelm

The masterplan bridges the authentic village of Stene and the new urban development nearby. Two curved buildings shape a park that opens to the neighborhood, linking old and new. A meandering path connects the site, while the architecture creates a gentle transition from public space to intimate garden by its shape and modest facade. The houses are creating proximity: a glance, a voice, a sound, physical contact... Living with care means living where someone is close by. Carefully considered sightlines and auditory relationships provide overview and orientation.

Both in plan and in section, proximity is used as a starting point. The architecture as a spatial translation of a functional and homely concept. A home with many facets, an architecture that can be both secure and challenging. We believe that a housing concept for people with disabilities should focus primarily on intrinsic living qualities. Homes that are developed based on possibilities rather than limitations. We therefore interpret the program as a large house in the broadest sense of the word. A house that is open to the neighborhood, but offers the necessary security for its users. A house with many spaces in which each resident can find their own place. Through section, the bedrooms are directly connected to the living areas. This eliminates the strict day and night zones typical in care architecture. The spatial section forms a framework and guides the daily rituals: getting up, washing, having breakfast, reading a book, sitting together at the table...

In order to construct the specific shape and cross-section of the building, a hybrid structure was used, combining solid load-bearing walls with a shell constructed entirely from timber frames. This allows both comfort requirements and sustainability standards to be met. It also allows to construct the curve and the façade in a standardised way, while keeping the construction budget under control. Wooden façade panels are placed overlapping and connect to the exterior joinery that is attached to the structure. The zinc roof cantilevers out to provide sufficient protection for the wooden structure. All materials used are treated for durability, with only European wood species being used. The same types of wood (spruce) were used in the interior, in combination with acoustic panels and the concrete floor, which also functions as a foundation slab. The combination of details and materials creates a warm and homely ensemble to live in.