VMX 建筑事务所

VMX Architects will realize for de Wooncompagnie a complex for housing, health care and social services in Purmerend.  The intention of the project is to de-stigmatize the inhabitants (seniors, the disabled and starters) of the complex and to make the building as a service centre for the neighborhood. 

To allow maximum daylight in th einner court VMX has designed an only two storey high perimeter block. By introducing a high rise volume set back slightly from the building envelope, space will be gained for creating a large semi-public garden in the inside of the block. The tower also has an urban logic, functioning as a landmark when approached from the centre of Purmerend. The block consists of several different housing types: housing for starters, group housing and senior housing with collectively used balconies. The ground floor has been arranged as ’social forum‘, offering a grand café, a hairdresser and a nursery for all users. 

To keep the internal garden free from cars, parking has been organized on the entire roof of the low rise volume. Cars reach the top floor by using a ramp system ascending through the building. The organizing heart of the building occurs at the first floor in the northeast portion of the block. This is also where the housing for intensive care patients is arranged. By combining these, residents can be picked up easily by car or minibus from their front door. People who tend to spend most of their time indoors, are now offered the opportunity to enjoy nature and city life despite their physical challenges. 

The entire building is carefully detailed with a brown high tech aluminum-composite plate. The expression of the building will mainly be created by it’s colorful balconies.