News

05.03.2014 Johan Idaplein Phase III

The foodballfield is finished!

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31.01.2014 Schout Heynricplein

minutes after finishing the footballfield, kids started to use it!

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Booklet Childfriendly Neighborhood Rotterdam is published!

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23.10.2013 Schout Heynricplein

A lot of hard work!

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23.10.2013 Wilgenplantsoen

The Swings!

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17.10.2013 Johan Idaplein Phase III

Work on the realisation of the last phase of the Johan Idaplein has now also started.

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17.10.2013 Greening Noord WORK

Zuster Hennekeplein

The new path to the school will be positioned here.

Schout Heynricplein

The autumn sun shines through the plane tree leaves onto the new terrace.

Wilgenplantsoen

The location for the swings.

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24.09.2013 Schout Heynricplein

The autumn sunshine helps the work along.

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03.09.2013 Zuster Hennekeplein

Work: the street in front of the Alberda College is almost ready!

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08.08.2013 Zuster Hennekeplein

Start refurbishment.

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30.05.2013 Lezing in Belgie

Riette gave a lecture in Belgium for the Vereniging Vlaamse Jeugddiensten (Association of Flemish Youth Services] about child-friendly spaces in Rotterdam.

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27.05.2013 Haags Straat Nieuws

Extensive interview with Riette van der Werff.

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22.05.2013 Wilgenplantsoen

Urban task: 'remove stone slab - insert greenery'.

Construction of gardens along facade.

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09.04.2013 Child-friendly Route Rotterdam Noord

Planting of greenery on the facade of Gerhard Scholtenstraat.

When the plants will be in bloom the shape of a bee will appear on the wall.

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09.04.2013 Wilgenplantsoen

Urban task: 'remove stone slab - insert greenery'.

Realisation in May 2013.

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07.03.2013 Rijsoorpad

Demolition of old industrial units and the playground association building along the Rijsoordpad has started. Subsequently the greening of the new public space can start.

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01.03.2013 Schout Heynricplein

CineacTV has shot an item about the Schout Heynricplein. The design is explained on site and local resident are being interviewed.

Click here to watch the video.

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PUBLIC SPACE

We believe in a green city. In a city that allows you to move freely. Where your children like to live. Where you feel safe.

There is a link between architecture and public space. And as far as we're concerned that is green space.

We believe in public space that allows you to feel nature. Where you can experience the seasons. We believe that social and physical space complement each other.

A green city is a liveable city. A liveable city is one in which shared responsibility is self-explanatory. For everyone.

UTILITARIAN BUILDING

A good building is like a rock.

The city changes.

Changes are not always improvements.

You would like to retrofit the buildings in a certain area. But how do you take away years of negative developments, while maintaining a building's original beauty?

We give old buildings a new quality.

Using modern technologies we make the original beauty of a building visible again, while also emphasising our client's individuality.

The result? Beautiful, sustainable and functional buildings ready for the future.

HOUSING

Love for the building. For details. For their residents.

A house is a place where you want to feel at home. Where you want to live.

New kinds of residents and new eras require new kinds of houses.

We translate the desires of our clients in technique, details and colour. We take away what is superfluous and add that is necessary.

The result? Homes that bring in light and show the characteristics of each season. Homes that love those who live in them.

Schout Heynricplein

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2013

The Schout Heynricplein is located in a busy borough in Rotterdam. It is a hidden piece of public space that is used for playing and parking.

Local residents have been able to provide input right from the start. As a result of this input we have designed a green square. Also after realisation the residents want to continue to play a role in how it is used and maintained.

In collaboration with Dutch Research Institute For Transition (DRIFT)

Click here for the video about the process by Cineac Noord.

Bas Jongeriusstraat

Client: WOM

Study 2008

The Wijk Ontwikkeling Maatschappij (WOM, Neighbourhood Development Society) has renovated a large amount of properties for sale in the street for families, a target audience that is barely represented here.

Cars are a dominant element in the street.

The design comprises the rearrangement of a 500-metre-long street. Part of the parking spaces would be removed, the maximum speed would be reduced, while trees would be added, and play areas integrated at regular intervals.

C70

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2010

'I dream of a green square', is what the children said, and with that in mind the dilapidated playground has been transformed into a square full of hedges and trees.

Both play areas are situated like islands in the square. You can play chess. The brick strips carry the functional elements that connect the facade with the square.

Click here to see the video.

Johan Idaplein

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2011

The demolition of a building in the 1980s was supposed to provide some breathing space in the densely built-up neighbourhood. The result was a concrete desert surrounded by a tall fence.

Various parties joined forces and approached the issue in a more holistic way. Now there's greenery and there are spaces to really play, hang out and enjoy. There is a green playground where children look after their garden. In addition there's a raised grass area with play equipment, a chill space for youths and an underground water reservoir.

It is a neighbourhood square for young and old.

In collaboration with het Observatorium and Buitenruimte voor Contact [Interior Space for Contact].

Zuidplein

Client: Municipality of Rotterdam

Realised 2008

Zuidplein is a modern gateway to Rotterdam. It is the second largest bus station in the Netherlands. It also has a metro station, Ahoy, a theatre and a shopping centre.

The station used to be chaotic, full of disconnected elements, and looked run down, while it needed to accommodate more buses.

Public space has been laid out as it were an urban lounge, in which the connection between Ahoy and the Zuidplein theatre comprises all the necessary facilities.

Clickhere to see the video.

In collaboration with Goudappel Coffeng.

de Zuidtangent

Client: Woonstad

Study 2009

The courtyard of the elongated block contains a large grass area, with a parking garage along one side and fences along the other.

The design contains dunes with various play and seating areas that break up the length of the site and that partly block the view towards the sides.

A wide range of shrubs and greenery ensure that children can acquaint themselves with nature in the city in a different way.

Slinge

Client: Municipality Rotterdam

Realised 2010

In the context of the treatment of contemporary city gates, the entrance and the direct surroundings of this metro station have been refurbished.

Important starting point was that the entire area, with its diverse entrances, this urban handkerchief surrounding the metro station, has been taken into consideration as both a transient area and an area to linger.

Child-friendly neighbourhood Erasmuskwartier & Rottekwartier

Client: JOS

Realised 2009

The playground of primary school De Klimop, its annex and accompanying inner courtyard have been approached like a single unit in the context of a social urban policy framework.

The playground comprises various zones for play activities, while the courtyard houses garden for young children and local residents.

A green structure of trees and large flowerbeds, which are jointly maintained by the council, the school and the local residents, carry the plan.

See the booklet:

Metro stations Rotterdam Alexander

Client: SO

Study 2009

For all metro stations in the Alexander Borough, we explored how the relationship between each station and its surroundings could be made more recognisable.

A challenge in this process was that the stations differ greatly in scale. From small and village-like at the end of the line, to utterly urban at metro and train station Alexander.

We developed 'the mat' for all locations, a spatial layout that function like a transition zone between the semi-private (the neighbourhood) and public (the metro).

Child-friendly neighbourhood Spangen

Client: JOS Rotterdam

Study 2010

As part of the Rotterdam Kindvriendelijk

project we explored how the entire area could be made more child-friendly for the Spangen neighbourhood.

This involved various aspects, such as (children's) participation, action radius, safety, parking, and the implementation of greenery in the existing urban structure.

Based on the results we developed a strategy for that could be implemented in stages in the neighbourhood.

Watch the video here

Snellemanplein

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2013

The Snellemanplein is located in Rotterdam Noord, next to the Prinses Juliana primary school, and is positioned along the Child-friendly Route.

The square is made greener by adding hedges, beds and trees. Apple trees (both sweet and tart) and fruit bushes are added.

Children themselves maintain the beds around the tree trunks.

Play and learn environment Tilburg/p>

Client: Municipality Tilburg

Realised 2013

A large open space in the Tuinwijk of Tilburg, surrounded by houses and primary school Antares.

The square was developed and realised in collaboration with the residents supervised by WatTwest.

The landscape hosts various areas for playing, meeting and gardening. A circular route connects the different areas. Children can come and play and do sports. A walking trail allows you to explore the entire landscape and meet other residents.

The design was set up like a 'menu', which allowed it to be executed in stages.

Wilgenplantsoen

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough/p>

Realised 2013

The Wilgenplantsoen is a wide-open, brick-covered square in the centre of Rotterdam Noord. There were few options for play and encounters.

The square was given a large amount of greenery and is surrounded by hedges, which create a sheltered space. Which offers plenty of opportunity for encounters, play and gardening.

Zuster Hennekeplein

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised: 2013

The Zuster Hennekeplein is located between residential properties and the Alberda College. The brick-covered square is used by both residents and school children. Transitions are mainly characterised by more brick.

With the aim to implement more greenery the Borough council redeveloped the square in collaboration with local residents. This includes spaces to linger, play and for active gardening.

Child-friendly Route Rotterdam Noord

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2012/2013

Using various themes, a child-friendly route was developed for the borough. This approach involved an integral and proactive collaboration between borough council, housing corporations and local residents to improve the area’s public space and liveability.

This includes safety, greenery, the visibility of entry points to internal courtyards and children's art.

In collaboration with het Kinderparadijs

See the booklet:

Sijthoffice

Client: Frankenstaete

Study 2008

A new office layout for the former offices of the Haagse Courant (18,000 m2), which date from the late 1980s, was proposed.

The idea was that within the structure of the existing building, a mix of private offices, open work areas, and shared facilities would be realised. The same approach was taken with the tower, which is highly visible from the motorway.

The foyer would be opened out, and new internal connections would give the building a more open and accessible character.

Brinkrode

Client: Speebouw

Realised 2006

The former headquarters of Brinkers Margarine (3.600m2), which was built in the 1960s, has been refurbished into a contemporary office building with a new screen facade.

The entrance area at the front has been given greater depth, and as a result, the former basement has become a fully-fledged floor. The new entrance, with a spacious vide, has thus become possible without loss of effective floor space.

The new screen facade has been put in front of the existing pillar structure, without attachment, thus allowing for the original structure to remain visible, while a new vertical layer has been added.By inserting coloured glass into the facade, part of which can also be opened, an internal climate is created, which changes throughout the day.

Nominated for the Aluminium Award 2007

Hennekijnstraat

Client: SKVR

Realised 2005

The roof of the teaching building of the SKVR now hosts, in combination with an adjoining building, a new canteen.

The construction of the post-war monument was borne in mind. Large sliding doors ensure that the transition between inside and outside remains as transparent as possible.

The canteen can be used in a flexible way. The flexibility is made possible by the large blue cupboard, which contains all functions, such as exhibition, lighting, ventilation and space dividers.

Roopram

Client: Janin Roopram

Realised 2001

Commissioned by Janin Roopram, this project involves the interior design for a roti restaurant. The restaurant has windows on all sides, and the aim was to maintain and utilise the pavilion's transparency.

Which is why the main, simple intervention has been made in the central zone. The zone is demarcated by red carpet that covers the walls, floor and ceiling. Around this element everything in the pavilion has been organised. Connected to it one finds the buffet, the staircase and the vide.

de Zuidtangent

Client: Noord Holland Province

Study 2009

To replace the existing shelters along the Zuidtangent, a new shelter design has been developed, which, based on a simple continuous steel frame, comprises all the relevant functions that are relevant for travellers, such as shelter, information and comfort.

The 15 shelters along the core trajectory can be adapted to two sizes. The smaller size was developed specifically for inner-city locations. Befitting the design and the zeitgeist, the element is designed to be energy neutral.

In collaboration withGoudappel Coffeng

Monastery Oude Noorden

Client: Noord Rotterdam Borough

Realised 2012

The Franciscanessen Monastery, which was built in the 1920 and squatted in the 1980s, was saved from demolition and re-emerged as a closed stronghold in 2008. The internal garden has become part of the public facilities and is the new green heart of the community centre.

All of the Monastery building's (Klooster 1 to 10), separate entrances have been given individual names and have all been lit. The chapel room has been transformed into a theatre and film room. Youths have their own space in Klooster 3.

The authorities that formerly only entered to maintain order, have now become fellow users.

Illy

en+counter somewhere in Europe

Client: Illy

Study 2005

By way of a competition the Italian coffee brand Illy invited proposals for a flexible coffee shop that could be positioned at various locations in Europe as a stand-alone unit.

Our design proposal comprised a clear recognisable object that combined characteristics of a vending machine and a small cafe. Our design is suitable for contemporary people, who, among the ever-increasing speed of life, long for a calm spot, a good cup of coffee and some Italian sweets.

Queen of the South

Client: Pameijer/ IDplein/ FlexibelWonen

Realised 2009

IThe first and second floor of this striking building were developed into office spaces for several collaborating parties in the care sector.

Each of the parties is able to retain their own identity, while their commonality has become and integrated part of the working environment. The office spaces have been designed in a transparent way, while both floors are interconnected spatially by way of a vide.

Willem Buytewechstraat

Client: SKVR

Realised 2007

A series of music rooms have been inserted in the basement of the music school.

In the past the basement had lots of issues with moist coming through the floors and walls.

In the end we have opted for a light and thin construction inserted into the existing one, which, because of the distance to the actual walls, complies with all noise absorption requirements while also allowing for easy access for inspection.

The panels used are covered with photographs of the SKVR, highlighting their own work and the fun their students have.

Hoekeindseweg

Client: Van der Klugt

Realised 2003

The build of this horticulturist's residence among the greenhouses was approached as if it were a landscaping exercise.

Part of the greenhouses was torn down. To demarcate the plot, two brick walls were added, against which an extension of a house, two garages and a carport were positioned.

Through the use of wood and additional details a softer image has been created on the garden side.

The residents' garden is used as a show garden for clients.

Bergse Linker Rottekade

Client: De Groot family

Realised 2003

This commission concerned the extension of a dike house with two new floors to create more living space.

The ground floor houses the kitchen and dining area. The floor below dike level hosts the sleeping quarters.

The stylistic principles applied are simple: a clear structure, plenty of daylight and modern materials. The area that contains the stairs functions as a structural element between the existing house and the extension.

Beursstraat

Client: Bakker-Reichart family

Realised 2004

This monument in Vlissingen is exceptionally deep. As a result little light reaches the centre of the house. On both the ground and first floor, the corridor in the centre has disappeared.

Starting point for the design was to change the central are of the house and move the staircase.

The facade on the first floor has a large window that looks out onto an alley. The dimensions of this window were extended to the skylight that was added to the roof. The stairs were positioned in relation to the skylight and the vide has been extended towards the second floor. As a result a lot of daylight now also reaches the ground floor, including the kitchen and the library.

Therefore these spaces have now become organically connected with the other living spaces. To retain some privacy, large cupboards have been positioned between the original corridor and the kitchen and the library.

The new bathroom on the first floor consists of a wooden box made out of tarred boat timber. The bathing facilities are located within

Rijsoorpad

Client: WOM Rotterdam

Study 2008

Wijk Ontwikkeling Maatschappij (WOM, Neighbourhood Development Society) requested the design of several semi-detached residences along the Rijsoordpad in Rotterdam.

To increase the quality of the interior courtyard for all residents, the proposition was to vastly increase the amount of greenery contained within it. Parking was transferred to outside the built-up area.

The proposed homes would be deep and have green roofs, and be surrounded by beech trees. Residents of the existing homes would look out onto a green interior space, while the residents of the new properties, located close to the urban bustle of the Zuiplein, would still be surrounded by greenery in an environment with an intimate, rural character.

Stichting Huisjes [Little Houses Foundation]

Client: Stichting Huisjes

Study 2008

Stichting Huisjes builds properties for people with a disability. The aim is for them to be able to live independently, while also providing certain shared facilities and care.

Located in an area that has many 'hofjes' [almshouses], a new 'hof' was designed around the preservation of existing trees. The houses would be oriented towards the inner courtyard, which would also house the communal building.

The first floor would have two connecting routes: this would enhance the private character of the courtyard and allow for more liveliness to occur.

Coastal Residence

Client: the Brouwer family

Realised 2003

This house, located on the coast and built in the 1950s, originally had a layout with many different rooms.

Following the refurbishment, the house's ground floor has been opened up, and a new extension has been added. The result is a house with pleasant vistas and a beautiful outside space.

Prins Hendrikstraat

Client: familie Van Eck-Offerman

Realised 2009