Parkhaven Dichterswijk NeighbourhoodRealized

Different types of living within the city

Client: Bouwfonds:BPD, Fortis RE
Programme: 161 apartments, 36 single family houses, 2,800m² commercial space

Parkhaven forms part of the restructuring of a 1930’s neighbourhood in Utrecht. The project is located adjacent to the historic port which in the 19th century was an important centre for fruit and vegetable auctions. The urban form is based on a typology that is commonly found in Utrecht. While block exteriors express a strong urban edge, the interiors accommodate informal public space which provides a secondary network of routes for pedestrians.

A family of four apartment buildings with a commercial programme at the ground floor level forms three sides of a new urban block. The apartments cover a range of tenure types. The use of similar materials and detailing establishes both a continuous urban elevation while allowing opportunities for difference. This allows the facades to address the variations in context; historic city harbour, main road junction to the inner city and neighbourhood streets. Public space within the courtyard is structured around a series of row houses with private rear gardens. This space is freely available during the day and accessible for residents at night. Parkhaven provides both visually and programmatically a new connection to the city centre.

Team:
MaccreanorLavington:MLA+