Wevershof is located in the larger area of Wilgenrijk: a new residential area between the urban areas of Maassluis and Hoek van Holland, with a landscape framework that is versatile and strategic. All “islands” within the master plan have a unique and characteristic own interpretation. In the master plan for the area, consideration has been given to one social framework where there is plenty of room for different people’s identities.

The Wevershof is located directly on a farmer’s ribbon. Architecture traditionally found in the polders of this area has been the greatest inspiration for the design of the court. As a starting point for the design of the neighbourhood, Wevershof ECHO looked at how a classic barnyard traditionally looks. Just like a yard from then, the Wevershof has a formal entrance, with more informal buildings in the rear area.

Interesting is the variation in houses in such a relatively small courtyard. The design includes various typologies, ranging from free-standing houses to semi-detached houses and row houses, attracting diverse types of residents. The people living there are families with diverse compositions: from young families to older couples to a family with older children.

Unique

An important and unique spearhead of the design is attention and emphasis on facilitating encounters between residents. This is done to maximize social cohesion in the neighbourhood. Hence the transitions between private and collective in the yard. The front gardens of the houses are designed in such a way people come into contact with each other a lot easier and thus also being stimulated to meet each other more than in most other living environments. This is expressed in the joint courtyard which is a central part of the design.

Planting scheme

Plantation schemes tell a story about the history of the place, the use of its landscape and contribute to meeting in public spaces. ECHO combines these added values ​​in nature-inclusive design philosophy. With this, we show that living and nature are not opposite of each other but that there is a symbiosis that can arise between man and nature. All types of plants chosen contribute to the ecology or biodiversity in the neighbourhood. Early blossom provides nectar to the first insects that emerge from their hibernation while fruit and nut trees far into it provide food in autumn.

Data

Landscape Architecture: Echo Urban Design

http://www.wilgenrijk.nl

Other designers involved in the design of landscape: Converse Architects, Gebiedsmanagers

Project location: Tweede Weverskade, Maassluis, Netherlands

Design year: 2010

Year Built: 2016