Courtyards, Lelystad

Adjacent to an existing residential care complex, 32 sheltered housing units have been built. These houses catch the eye with their simplicity and careful detailing. They meet the conditions for the elderly to live independently and have extra facilities, such as alarm buttons and a high level of accessibility. There are 8 homes at each level. These are accessed from an open gallery at the rear, which offers access to the large residential care complex lying behind it. The storerooms at ground level have been specially designed for the needs of the residents. The frontage consists of two layers and is made of wood, steel and glass. The second layer is located in front of the main façade like a large screen. This elevation is formed by large wooden beams that rest on hangers. Because the building is noise free, this part of the construction is more of a decorative element. Moreover, it provides each house with its own framework, as if emphasising the independence. Every house has a built-in outdoor space. The wooden beams contain a rail system that enables the occupants to slide the windows to and fro. Opening and closing this window creates additional interior or exterior space. This allows the residents to control the arrangement of their living space, and they can fully enjoy the sunlight. The steel side façades of the premises have high narrow horizontal slits as windows. A vertical interior glass strip at the edge of the window front highlights patios and allows extra light into the houses.


Architect: Herman Zeinstra
Team: P. Cannon, J.A. van Gemert
Number: 9812
Status: Built
Year: 1998 - 2002
Client: Woningbouwvereniging Centrada, Lelystad

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