Sustainable, spatial quality with special architecture
OAK consists of a total of 45 ground-based houses divided over two residential blocks. The largest residential block consists of 30 homes and is characterized by a beautiful green courtyard. A pleasant meeting place for all residents. The more southerly located residential block consists of 15 houses and has a smaller-scale, more open character, which means that it is directly connected to the natural environment. Everything is aimed at allowing residents and users to experience the quality of the landscape in the best possible way.
The houses invite flexible use and have several (private) outdoor spaces on various layers with different orientations. These outdoor spaces are often designed as outdoor rooms, which are therefore part of the living space. In this way, the connection with nature and landscape from the house is optimal, of course with a lot of attention to the privacy of the residents.
The parking spaces for cars and access to the storage rooms are located at ground level under a wooden deck. As a result, cars are hidden from direct view. Both residential blocks have separate access for cars at the front. At the front, there is also space for the post boxes and bicycles for visitors. In the middle of the large residential block, the beautiful green courtyard with a leafy forest character is being created, interspersed with the planting of perennials, shrubs, and trees with transparent crowns. There will be a sandbox for the little ones and a rope bridge to climb from the deck. It will be a meeting point for all residents.
The deck of both residential blocks is located on the first floor and is accessible via the slope between the two residential blocks. Various planters with shrubs are placed here. Different types of plantings will be used, making it a rich area. This fits in well with the wooded character of the area. The deck provides access to the front door of the homes. At various homes, the deck is directly accessible from the homes through patio doors, making it an extension of the home.
Nature play, relaxation, and meeting
At the location of the raised courtyards, pergolas make direct contact with the ground level, allowing climbing plants to grow from the open ground. The overgrown pergolas also provide a pleasant view. The houses are equipped with blinds, solar panels, and housing for fauna (insects, birds, bats). The handling of the roof water is drained off with a delay due to the use of a green roof. The structure of the green roof ensures a cooler roof in the summer, it protects the roof covering, has a sound-insulating effect, and it offers space for birds, butterflies, and insects. Rainwater is visibly drained and linked to the wadis in the public area and the water bowl with an underground water basin in the courtyard of the large residential block. Water fulfills an important role within OAK. It contributes to the reduction of heat stress and improvement of health. By adding elements with water in the courtyards and the landscape, we make a positive contribution to nature play, relaxation, and encounters.
OAK creates an integral, cohesive whole, which is innovative, feasible, demonstrably sustainable, and healthy. Living together in a group, but still individually. Social cohesion is increased by actively involving residents in planting the first new tree or by organizing, for example, six-monthly picking or pruning days when residents can continue to meet each other. To get off to a good start, we also cordially invite the residents during the construction process to visit the Barli factory hall together, where the homes are manufactured.
OAK's inclusive plan is the paragon for realistic, sustainable, and healthy housing.