A new contemporary suburb for the planned city of Emmen.
Emmen
Key elements of the existing suburban environment are retained and become the focus of a new and denser masterplan. The existing park is extended, creating a larger area for community events, shows, fairs and a children’s playground. Small pavilions for cafés, play groups, and leisure activities create an informal village centre for local residents.
Footpaths and small-scale interventions form a network of architectural events at street-level, providing moments of interest and opportunity between the new homes. These serve to focus the footfall towards community areas and green spaces. Detail and new surface textures are introduced through the plan on path surfaces and play areas. ‘Pocket parks’ are created across the site, with space for recycling facilities, community gardens and picnic areas.
The architectural form of the new houses is sympathetic to the existing context, and uses traditional construction methods and materials. The new development appears as a natural and appropriate extension of the existing and established settlement of houses on the site.
The architecture is a study in surface textures, a restrained tonal palette is employed, with focus drawn to the subtle distinctions between areas of different materials. Areas of render are set slightly forward of the brick surface, framing the openings and adding simple detail to the façades of the homes.
The muted material palette of charcoal render, charcoal engineering brick and zinc roofing is set against the borders and strips of planting and green space, creating a sophisticated and approachable street environment. Material treatment is consistent across the site, building an identity for the area and unifying the development.
