A young couple envisioned transforming the plot where their parking garage once stood into an apartment complex that would house two maisonettes and a personal space. The challenge, however, lay in the polygonal shape of the plot, which made it difficult to design a functional and fluid living space. Despite the irregularity of the site, the couple was determined to create a harmonious and efficient layout that would meet their unique needs.
Having spent considerable time designing the façades and floor plans themselves, the couple had already developed a strong vision for the project. However, the limited space available posed a significant challenge in translating their ideas into a practical design. With creativity and careful planning, we embraced the constraints of the site, ensuring that every inch of space was used effectively to bring their dream of a well-balanced, modern living environment to life.
We took over the design and carefully restructured the program of requirements to align with the couple’s vision, while also ensuring the project met the local urban planning standards. The design was developed to fit seamlessly within the aesthetic guidelines set by the municipality of Zaanstad, while respecting the future vision for the area. By balancing the client’s desires with the broader urban context, we crafted a design that not only fulfills personal and practical needs but also contributes positively to the evolving neighborhood. This collaborative approach allowed us to transform a challenging plot into a modern, functional living space that blends perfectly with its surroundings.
After conducting a market analysis, it was decided to design the homes for starters. Within the target group of starters, a distinction was also made based on the type of living quality that a starter may have. This was done with the idea that not every starter has the same budget and housing preferences. While one may value living quality more, efficient use of space may be more important for another.
Since this project involved a change in the zoning plan of the municipality of Zaanstad, the municipality had a say in the final design. The desire of both the municipality and the client was for the building to have a warehouse appearance combined with a mansard roof. Additionally, it was important to give the base of the building an inviting appearance, despite it being a parking garage. By continuing the materialization of the base in the garage doors, the entire ground floor appears as a porch. Combined with the glass entrance door, this invites passersby into the building.