The Rijneke Boulevard in Zoeterwoude is a busy shopping area with a dated appearance. The complex has its back to the Rijn. We have developed a vision to renovate and expand the boulevard in stages. The Rijn is also more involved in the shopping area by creating harbors.
The first phase starts on the west side of the complex. In this phase, the first building has already been renovated (completed in 2016) and the expansion of 6,000 m2 of retail space started in January 2018. The shopping area is organized around the old harbor of the Heineken factory, where the hops used to be unloaded.
| Architects | Gerrit-Jan van Rijswijk |
| Employees | Hans Schepman |
| Client(s) | Niersman-Marington |
Cruquius Plaza, near Hoofddorp, municipality of Haarlemmermeer is the result of a competition that was organized in 1999 on behalf of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer to boost shopping in Cruquius. The competition was won by ING Vastgoed and VVKH. The existing residential boulevard has been completely renovated and adapted to the requirements of today. In addition, 30,000 m2 of retail space and 25,000 m2 of industrial space have been added. A flexible building, particularly with regard to the shops, and a water feature with a square at the shop entrances have been realized at the location. The cantilevered awning offers provides shelter for a pleasant shopping climate. The supply takes place from two expedition entrances on the company side. Via the internally located expedition corridors on the ground floor and first floor, the shops can be supplied freely from the shoppers. The 30-meter-high Cruquius Tower, the luminous center of the square, is a clear landmark of the residential boulevard.
The plan ‘de Biezenhof’ is part of the new residential area ‘Waterrijk Woerden’ and is situated along a natural watery region. The urban scheme of ‘Waterrijk Woerden’ was designed by West 8 and refers to the traditional Dutch water cities such as Delft and Leiden. The design is made in collabiation with Klunder architects. Almost every dwelling is individual and has a specific connection to the water.
The plan of Biezenhof is divided in two parts: there is one block of family houses around a courtyard on the edge of the lake, and there is a row of water houses and apartments along a canal.
The buyers of the houses could choose between several types of houses as well as between four architects. Due to the possibilities in combining type and architect, not one house is the same. Every house has a singular character: the lake houses have a beautiful view on the lake, the street houses have a garden, and the canal houses enclose big terraces. In the public space there are a few parking places, the majority of parking places are organised in garages.
The houses designed by Knappers are characteristic because of the huge roof overhanging the façade. This contributes to the shelter-against-the water identity of the houses, and refers to the greenhouse glass constructions in the low lands. At the street side these houses are made of brick, which gives them a closed and open (to the light and the water) individuality.
In cooperation with Smits bouwbedrijf, VVKH has won the european tender to develop a new housingarea in district Dieperhout in Leiden. The project consists of 48 dwellings, 12 apartments and a care facility of 1500m². Start of the constructionwork is planned in may 2015, because thats when a current school will move to a new building and the site will be available.
The team with VVKH Architects, Dura Vermeer and Besix has been selected for the design and build of a five-story underground parkinggarage in the historical center of Leiden.
