Landgoed steenwende
DE OUDE HOCKEYVELDEN - HOORN, NL - 2023
FORMER HOCKEYFIELDS
Landgoed SteenWende is a masterplan that was submitted as a competition entry for the site of the former hockey fields in Hoorn. As one of the sites being part of the densification strategy of Hoorn, a medieval harbor town at the center of the IJsselmeer, the consortium of Space & Matter, Faunest and studio audal designed an ‘estate’-like plan, a green haven at the edge of the historic town.
The masterplan is inspired by the peat landscape and the surrounding polders in which the program of 80 units of social housing and 60 units of rental housing are positioned in four towers, referring to the open, horizontal character of the landscape with its water and long stretched agricultural fields. Aiming for a sustainable approach to the apartments, based on nature inclusive design, wooden slabs have been introduced as facade material. By cutting them in half, a tectonic tile system creates an interesting shadow pattern that changes during the day, while reducing the use of materials. Situated in a lower part of Hoorn with a relative high water table, a half sunken parking garage connects the various units with each other, sticking out of the landscape and serving as a higher beacon, offering panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
The public space is derived from the polder landscape of Hoorn. Using the principle “100% green, unless”, mineral materials are being avoided where possible to create the perfect habitats for flora and fauna. The natural open space complements the geometric plan in which an organic path connects the various entrances to the buildings and squares.
TWO AREAS, with and without humans
The design emphasizes respecting the existing landscape, through nature-inclusive design, revealing Nature as both functional and aesthetic. Five ambassador species have been selected, each giving specific guidelines and conditions for the public space, allowing differentiation of zoning in atmospheres within the plan.
The main concept of the masterplan is based on a fictional line, a zoning between accessible and inaccessible for the residents to allow nature to develop. To improve the current conditions, the northern part of the site is given back to the water, keeping the existing trees on small islands and creating a wetland area for birds to nest. The various heights within the masterplan are connected by an undulating landscape of hills and meandering paths, bringing the visitor to the central part: a four season garden on top of the parking garage. An ephemeral water square, fed by rainwater guided from the roofs of the higher buildings towards the square, invites kids to play. The panorama platform, a place to meet, looks over the peat landscape of Hoorn. The tidal nature becomes part of the surrounding water system, while newly planted willows in between the existing trees form a new framework around the site.
The south side includes a play hill, including slides and various elements for kids. A multifunctional area serves both as parking, but can be reserved for various events, such as neighborhood sport days, markets on Kingsday, barbecues and various sports, like badminton and jeu de boules.
Project status
Competition, 2nd prize
Client
Municipality of Hoorn
Year
2023
Location
Hoorn, NL
In collaboration with
Space & Matter, Faunest, OMFE, KUUK infra,
Ooms Bouw, Omring, Common City Development
and NW360 Vastgoedontwikkeling
Visualization
©Drip visual