competition, Netherlands 2009

Living Sequences Wonen in Reeksen
(r)evolving community in Twente, the Netherlands

with Ruth van Eck-Rotholz

Dimensions
5000 m² plan subdivided into 4 X 1250 m² plots incl. central courtyard
max. building height 11 meters

Competition Slogan
“Community living in a rural setting” and “Build your own freedom naturally”

Living Sequences is a residential module dealing with the traditional barn-house and courtyard typology in a broader sense. This main requirement was reinterpreted by adding another focal point – the prevalent North-South axis, triggering the general layout. The idea of a clear, dominant feature within the residential functions led to an initial sketch of masses and joints, suggesting a hinge or pivot. The result is a partitioned residence defined by sequences – multi-purpose spaces providing light and a new material within the basic module of an elongated balloon frame. These in-betweens mark a distinctive entrance to the house and are to be used as a platform for growth and re-interpretation. The goal is a cost-effective, sober prototype with an added value – the horizontal-vertical interplay of rooms, from which a variety of personal spaces and living structures can emerge.

The central feature is a public court. This serves as traffic circle and organizes the plots and their relation to each other. The plan consists of four houses, of which two face the court and two turn aside for added privacy. A small part of each plot is provided to the narrow entrance path to optimize the entrance, receiving a green central area in return. Using natural phenomena as a guideline for design, the neighbors face each other and the open spaces outside, linked together by the incoming road, the square, and by their common use of sunlight, while each has room to expand and grow in their own yards.

Two partitions split the house into three sections. The first partition includes the stairway, which together with the main entrance links kitchen, dining room and garage; the second partition lies between these high-activity zones and the guest and children wing. Alternatively, this could become an adolescent’s side, or back door on ground floor.

The partition suggests a new version of the ante-chamber: a modular space dividing the core – kitchen and master bedroom - from the representative - dining room, guest rooms and study. Functions may differ and be replaced but the tempo is maintained by the two partitions. The entire house grows at a natural pace – the height changing from public to private functions, the meandering movement of the interior lending each volume a natural rhythm. Providing light and ventilation, the skylighted façade can also be curtained in order to stabilize temperature. The choice of material lies between glass or the more durable, eco-friendly ETFE. Yet more light can be let into the living room by opting for a double-height space in absence or in succession of the children’s area.