U building

In the context of the significant shortage and the resulting high demand for residential units in the Netherlands, a lot in the middle of a residential block at the outskirts of a mid-scale Dutch town offers an obvious chance for the inner-city densification project.

The lot faces a back side of the existing residential program at the north-east and an all-side orientated (a sort of) urban villa typology at the south-west. Exactly this constellation offers a possibility for a completion of the urban block and articulation of the logistical aspects (entrance to the parking garage and part of the visitor’s parking) at its northern side. Simultaneously, stretching along the southern edges of the location, main volume of the proposed building creates a street front. Together with the existing residential building it establishes a cozy street profile at the south-west and a small intimate plaza at south-east.

Entrances of the ground-bound units that lie at ground level and first floor, together with commercial/HORECA uses at the corners, activate and increase social control over the public space. Upper floors of the building are accessed via a gallery that enables all the residential units to be lit from both sides.