Noordstrook combines 170 affordable housing units, a community centre and commercial spaces in one high-density volume. The U-shaped complex has a large variety of housing types and sizes, ranging from small studios with common living rooms for people needing special care, to spacious six-room maisonettes.
By arranging multiple types of residences around a central courtyard, Noordstrook reinterprets the original ideals of the western suburbs – a balanced differentiation of dwellings for the elderly, starters and families.
In order to block noise pollution, the facade facing the ring road is predominantly closed. By contrast, the opposite side has been opened up as much as possible with large frontages and balconies.
Concrete facade panels clad with brickwork allude to the original brick assembly technique used in the neighbourhood, whilst breaking with the monotonous, repetitive appearance of traditional prefab facades. The result is a varied brickwork pattern that resembles the colourful image composition of hanging woven carpets.