The former office building will be repurposed into a sustainable residential building with apartments and commercial spaces. The building is close to the intersection of Dreef and Utrechtseweg, two major connecting roads in Zeist; However, large trees on the outer edge of the plot provide a sheltered, green spot in the city.
Extension in wood
The existing qualities of the place and the building, such as the abundant greenery and the usable architectural structure, took MIX architecture and MAAK space as the basis for the transformation. The original building is preserved, including elevator shafts and stairwells. There will be five commercial spaces on the ground floor in the heart of the building. There will be 75 apartments spread over the four floors, intended for social rental, mid-range rental and private sector.
The building will be provided with a timber frame construction with setbacks at various ends. The volume decreases towards the entrance of the residential area and towards the trees. Furthermore, the building mass is enriched with wooden terraces and pergolas, which also blend in with the surroundings, MIX architecture explains.
The terraces accentuate the heads of the volume and strengthen the mass. All existing window openings in the load-bearing facade are enlarged by removing the parapet. The attached wooden terraces with climbing greenery match the wooden facade and bring nature directly to the house. The plastered facades without terraces have staggered wooden parts for a fascinating all-round facade image.
Green landscape
In the old situation, parking took place both underground and at ground level. Paved lanes and parking lots surrounded the building. By slightly enlarging the existing parking basement (for parking and private storage), the architects create the opportunity to transform the above-ground parking space into a green landscape.
As few trees as possible will be cut down for this expansion. Moreover, the architects then extend the forest again to the extensive parking lot. This results in greenery up to the facade and a natural style edge, which gives the area a richer image, according to both architectural firms.
Space for walkers and cyclists
In consultation with the municipality, the entrance for cars will be moved from the main road to the rear of the residential area. The ramp of the parking garage and the visitor parking spaces are thus hidden from view between the trees at the rear. The entrance area at the front is designed with greenery and informal paths as an inviting place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents can meet and relax in the collective outdoor area. Drive will also have various walking and cycling paths that connect to surrounding paths and access roads. In addition to the individual storage spaces in the basement, there will be spacious collective bicycle storage facilities next to the entrances to encourage the use of bicycles.
Sustainable building
Various climate-adaptive and nature-inclusive measures are applied to the building. The overgrown wooden terraces and pergolas provide sun protection and cooling. The highest roof will be equipped with PV panels that supply energy for the homes. The lower roofs are designed as a green roof. In addition to cooling, the facade and green roofs also provide food and shelter for birds and insects. After transformation, the building has an energy label A+++, according to the architects.
Contractor Construction Company Nap will start the (re)construction of Drive this quarter. Buro SRO Arnhem (spatial development advice) and Consultancy FTV (constructor) are also involved in the project. Delivery of the living and working spaces is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
Tags: MIX architecture transforms dated office building green living environment
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