In collaboration with West 8, Mecanoo designed the master plan for Almere Hout Noord, a social and sustainable residential and commercial district for 12,000 inhabitants, which is set to generate 2500 new jobs.
The concepts of order and chaos guide the design that supports enterprise, talent development, education and leadership. A network of lively, grand avenues forms the foundation of the district, inside which neighbourhoods develop organically.Various facilities and entrances to private companies are located along the avenues.
In the areas between the avenues, flexible dwellings suit both living and working and can easily adapt to changing needs. A sustainably designed business park is located along the A6 motorway. Smaller-scale commercial and retail buildings connect to the residential neighbourhood. Almost every dwelling features a waterfront garden thanks to an intricate network of canals that threads through the neighbourhood.
The canals, cycle paths, footpaths and rest points form a recreation network that connects to Almere’s network of cycle paths. Along the lively axes, the Talent House, Experience Point, Entrepreneur’s House and Opportunity Premises stimulate interaction, and encourage personal and commercial development.
Sustainability features prominently in the design. Existing forests are gradually transformed from commercial plantations into rich, ecological habitats. The energy-neutral district generates its own energy from wind turbines.
The retail park features an extensive helophyte filter that purifies the area’s grey water and keeps the canal water clean. A wide path for cycling, jogging and skating invites residents to exercise. Colourful climbing plants form ecological icons that mark the major public squares along this route.