Bezuiden Sluis is an urban planning project for a climate-adaptive neighborhood located along the Hoge Maasdijk in Woudrichem. The area is situated outside the dikes and experiences fluctuating water levels. Its unique location presents an exceptional opportunity to create a distinctive, dynamic residential community with housing types that respond to the movement of water. This alternative approach to construction allows for safe living in the floodplains while providing ample space for the river. By incorporating unique housing typologies such as dike houses, amphibious homes, and floating houses, the neighborhood can adapt to the changing water levels.
2022
sketch design
Provincie Noord-Brabant , Tankens
in cooperation with
Provincie Noord-Brabant
Hoge Maasdijk VOF
Hoge Maasdijk VOF
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Site
In the floodplains of the Afgedamde Maas near Woudrichem, a water-bound industrial area was established following the repeal of the Kringen Act in the late 1960s. This area, located outside the dikes, lies within the radius of the Woudrichem Fortress and has therefore remained undeveloped. Once part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, it is within walking distance of the fortress and an important inundation sluice. A notable feature of this area is the fluctuation in tide levels, which range from 7 meters (during extremely low tide) to 2 meters (during extremely high tide).
Urban plan
We are introducing three 'strands,' positioned perpendicularly to the dike, featuring different types of housing: dike houses, amphibious homes, and floating houses.
At the highest point, against the Hoge Maasdijk, dike houses will be built. These homes are securely elevated and the public spaces between them will remain dry at all times. Below these houses, parking garages will be provided for the vehicles of all residents in the neighborhood.
One level lower, between the dike houses and the river, amphibious homes will be located. At low water levels, these homes sit on land, while at higher water levels, they rise with the water, buoyed by guiding poles. This occurs several times a year for homes closest to the water, and less frequently for those situated further away. Additionally, the outdoor spaces will occasionally be submerged. Residents will experience living by greenery at times and by water at others. These homes are connected to the parking garage by floating walkways and a pathway that leads to the fortress.
At the highest point, against the Hoge Maasdijk, dike houses will be built. These homes are securely elevated and the public spaces between them will remain dry at all times. Below these houses, parking garages will be provided for the vehicles of all residents in the neighborhood.
One level lower, between the dike houses and the river, amphibious homes will be located. At low water levels, these homes sit on land, while at higher water levels, they rise with the water, buoyed by guiding poles. This occurs several times a year for homes closest to the water, and less frequently for those situated further away. Additionally, the outdoor spaces will occasionally be submerged. Residents will experience living by greenery at times and by water at others. These homes are connected to the parking garage by floating walkways and a pathway that leads to the fortress.
On the river itself, floating houses will be established. The elevation of these homes in relation to the dike and other housing types will constantly change. The views of the water from these homes are stunning, and residents will have the opportunity to dock their own boats next to their houses.
Together, these three types of homes represent a showcase of climate-adaptive housing: 1. elevated and dry dike houses, 2. amphibious homes that sometimes float, and 3. permanently floating homes. This creates a unique, dynamic living environment that illustrates how we in the Netherlands can anticipate a changing climate
Together, these three types of homes represent a showcase of climate-adaptive housing: 1. elevated and dry dike houses, 2. amphibious homes that sometimes float, and 3. permanently floating homes. This creates a unique, dynamic living environment that illustrates how we in the Netherlands can anticipate a changing climate
The three types of homes together represent a showcase of climate-adaptive housing.
Biobased and sculptural
The houses will be constructed primarily from natural materials: a wooden frame, biobased insulation, and facades made of wooden panels. This approach aligns well with historical regulations that mandate wooden construction within restricted areas. The type of wood used for the facades and the methods of sustainability (modification) will vary, creating a vibrant aesthetic.
The windows and door openings will be large, often extending to full height. The wooden frames will be designed to minimize visibility, resulting in abstract sculptural volumes. The roofs will be gently sloped and oriented towards the sun (east-southwest). Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roofs to meet the homes' electricity needs. Heat and cold will be extracted from the river or groundwater.
The windows and door openings will be large, often extending to full height. The wooden frames will be designed to minimize visibility, resulting in abstract sculptural volumes. The roofs will be gently sloped and oriented towards the sun (east-southwest). Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roofs to meet the homes' electricity needs. Heat and cold will be extracted from the river or groundwater.
The homes will be constructed primarily from natural materials: a wooden frame, biobased insulation, and facades made of wooden panels.
Dynamic Nature
Between the housing strands, green wedges will be created, providing views of the Maas from the Hoge Maasdijk. These green spaces will be publicly accessible. The terraces of the homes will border these wedges, serving as an architectural feature that clearly delineates the transition between private and public spaces.
Due to the significant fluctuations in water levels, the vegetation in these outdoor areas will adapt accordingly. The area between the amphibious homes will consist of reeds and other water-loving plants, with small beaches also emerging. The green wedges will be connected by a paved path between the dike houses and the amphibious homes, as well as a lower-level boardwalk between the amphibious homes and the floating houses.