The Zuidplaspolder is a large triangular area of reclaimed land positioned between Rotterdam, Gouda and The Hague. The area was the last peat bog to be drained by windmill-driven pumps in the nineteenth century and today the land is used for arable farming and greenhouse cultivation.
Mecanoo has developed a scheme for a glasshouse horticulture zone in the Zuidplaspolder. The original brief cited 430 hectares for development. However the resulting proposal covers over 1000 hectares, creating much larger areas dedicated to housing, water and green space. The scheme reacts against typical ribbon developments that occur along the motorway. Instead the scheme takes into account the need for interesting rural panoramas which provide long lines of sight.
Greenhouses are designed to be stacked on top of industrial buildings, freeing up considerable land for cultivation. 312 hectares are reserved for water storage, serving not only the Zuidplaspolder but also rest of the Province of South Holland. Freshwater buffers of this kind have to be created to deal with hydrological problems that affect the drained marshlands of the western Netherlands.
A carefully planned greenway meanders through the area, connecting the public areas with greenhouse areas, residential areas and a lake. New dwelling concepts focus on themes of individuality, quality and sustainability. The resulting scheme will have a strong purpose to local people as well as attracting visitors from further afield.