Driespan

By dividing the length of the plot into a distinctive facade size, the unit blends in with its surroundings in an urbanly familiar way. The articulation of 3 facades follows the slope of the street and tells the story of 3 small-scale multi-family dwellings, each with its own entrance assembly and elevator/traphal.

The sober and light brick architecture is durable and robustly detailed. A subtle color variation between the different facades emphasizes the reduction in scale.
Baseboards, sills and cornices are elaborated throughout in a warm blasted concrete. The exterior joinery is characterized by a vertical articulation and a combination of a deeper warm gray exterior joinery for the private windows, and a subtly darker exterior joinery for the entrance assemblies and stairwells where the staircase windows are deliberately more forward as a subtle vertical nuance. The bay windows above the entrance wholes provide functional shelter and further vertical accentuation. Together, they contribute to a legible and welcoming whole with a timeless look, based on a traditional architectural language.

Through a covered passage we bring the greenery visually to the street. A wrought-iron gate provides secure closure to the bicycle parking, parking and south-facing gardens.