The building accommodates 30 Superlofts in 5 types – XS lofts (70m2) to family lofts (145m2) – resulting in a rich diversity of dwellings and mixed community. Homeowners had the freedom to fit out a raw space (by themselves or with an architect) or customise an existing floor plan, and also their exterior. The project was organised as a Cooperative Development Model where the residents actively helped shape the design including the building’s form, loft formats and collective amenities. This collaborative process resulted in a strong, close-knit community where the residents were already neighbours even before construction began.

Designed as an Open Building, the five-storey building comprises a fixed concrete framework (support) subdivided into different types of lofts which the inhabitants fit out independently (infill). The varying formats are either two or three storeys high, with a single or double facade, and have a roof terrace, balcony or garden. With unique layouts uncommon in conventional housing, many lofts are designed to adapt to their owners’ changing needs over time e.g. by incorporating a lift or flexible partitions to reconfigure the interior as families grow. Generous voids create a beautiful sense of space and light. With a low starting price of €180.000, the lofts were affordable and hence accessible to a wider audience.

Crafted with a considered use of materials and meticulous detailing, the facade is a simple but strong expression of the concept. The interplay of the fixed concrete grid and varying details of the customised facades results in a sturdy yet dynamic building that reflects the diversity of the community within. Accentuated by the building height, the slim concrete grid is fitted with a framework of double-height windows that bring light deep into the apartments. The self-supporting precast concrete modular facade is designed to be independent of the structural framework and installed later in the construction process to retain the purity of the white concrete. The varying loft exteriors, with different entrances, balconies and window configurations, result in a lively facade composition. By night, the framework is animated by modules of glowing interiors that reflect the changing activity within.

Guided by Marseille Buiten, residents co-designed the shared garden, located on the roof of the car park beside the private terraces, to incorporate both open and intimate spaces for different types of gatherings. Behind the building, the canal was widened and enhanced with a shared jetty. The lobby includes a communal display that residents curate together.

A high level of sustainability is achieved through the integrated use of technologies such as floor heating and cooling using geothermal heat pumps with heat recovery, 180 solar panels for individual and shared energy needs, CO2 sensors for ventilation with heat recovery, passive solar design integrating double or triple glazing with electric sunshading and low maintenance facade materials. This results in an EPC of 0.3 and average GPR figure of 7.5.

The project is a collaboration between Marc Koehler Architects, Stichting Blok Y (Stadkwadraat, Bergunlimited, Dolte Stedenbouw), Vink Bouw Nieuwkoop B.V. and Coöperatie Superlofts Blok Y U.A.