BLOK1
Group A
AREA
3000.0 m2
CATEGORY
Dorms
LOCATION
Arnhem, The Netherlands
Text description provided by architect.
Student housing tower Blok 1 serves as a landmark and a visual beacon of change and renewal for the Presikhaaf area.
The buiding is part of a larger redevelopment scheme, which foresees in the partial demolition of post-war housing estates in the neighbourhood, giving way to new, more upmarket, housing developments.
Additionally, student housing is included in the scheme, as the presence of students will lead to differentiation and rejuvenation of the neighbourhood.
Thus, the tower provides Presikhaaf with a much needed social impulse.
The ten storey building is situated on an isolated site, surrounded by green areas.
Its solitary character is enhanced by the building's all-round orientation and façades, which are punctuated by a large number of windows, making the building look bigger than it actually is. This particular fenestration makes that no two dorms have the same layout.
The façade is covered by panels with a slightly differing finish, creating a subtle pattern. The dark brown colour gives the building a natural feel, and makes it fit into the surrounding green area.
The ground floor comprises support facilities for the students, technical areas and commercial units. Each of the nine upper floors is laid out with ten dorms.
The top floor will be used as a communal roof terrace. Within the restricted budget, GROUP A has been able to create a number of high quality solutions, like the large windows on the corners and the roofterrace with its nice views.
