sustainable new development in Rijswijk
client: | private |
design: | Gert Jan Knevel, John van de Weg |
project team: | Barbara Dirks, Bas van Berkum, Ashkan Hashemkhani |
management: | Knevel Architecten BV |
consultants: | Adams Bouwadviesbureau (structure); S&W Bouwkundig Ingenieursbureau (M&E) |
contractor: | C. van der Grift BV, Harmelen |
location: | Middendorpweg 2, RijswijkBuiten |
plot size: | 465 m² |
floor area: | 334 m² |
start design: | May 2014 |
start construction: | October 2015 |
completion: | November 2016 |
assignment
Apart from high sustainability goals the clients wish for a sculptural and modern design, full of light combined with an efficient construction method.
sustainability goals
RijswijkBuiten is in the process of becoming a sustainable neighbourhood. The municipality has high ambitions regarding environmental aspects. This has strong effects on neighbourhood planning and construction of new buildings in the area. The municipality strives for a planned neighbourhood with a high safety standard on all accounts. Amongst some of these aspects it wants to achieve reduction of noise hindrance and create more area for planning the outside space with an abundance of natural green and waterways.
The municipality has also decided to connect RijswijkBuiten to the central heating grid. The most important consideration is that these energy efficient homes and surroundings will no longer be depending on the main power grid but on sustainable generated local energy production. Furthermore it has a goal of achieving a low EPC value of 0.4.


Using a morphed pitched roof typology and excavating a gap out of the south west facade a 'panoramic opening' is created which opens up to various unique qualities of the surroundings. Using these key elements a refined composition of lines is formed. The opposite north east facade forms a visually closed off facade fitting the local requirements of privacy and furthermore creating the necessary foreclosure to the surrounding buildings.
The shaping and materialisation are consistently designed, reinforcing the spatial experience and complementing the connection with the surroundings: the exterior consists of the excavated mass and a continuous skin of natural materials making the contours of the structure explicit. Inside the spatial quality of the building is established by carefully positioning the programmatic core, built in furniture, light wells and fenestrations resulting in differentiated atmospheres throughout the day.
The spatial layout of the residence is based on specific wishes of the family. On ground level, meant for social interaction and activities, the kitchen and garden form a continious visual unity. On the upper floors one can retreat in privacy where furthermore the children's and master bedroom are located.