Unity in diversity 

De Krijgsman in Muiden is an extensive new construction project. For a subproject on the edge of the plan, five architectural firms were asked to design four dike villas each, one of which would be a 'special'. Hoogeveen Architects responded in its own unique way by delivering no fewer than four 'specials'. All according to the same recipe, but still with a different end result. Unity in diversity in which PREFA aluminium roof and wall cladding plays a crucial role.

Hoogeveen Architects has been involved with De Krijgsman for many years. "The brief from the urban development plan for the dike villas was to design one 'special' and three ordinary homes with a so-called coastal window as the common denominator," says Arjen Hoogeveen. "We started with the design of the 'special' and linked the coastal window to a special solution for accessing the house. The stairs that are normally in the house have been moved outside and lead into the coastal window. This makes the house more spacious and easier to divide. Moreover, with the external staircase we make the link to the dike aspect, where you usually first climb a staircase to enjoy the view."

Traditional roof shape

So the view and going up has been given a very strong expression in our design, notes Arjen. "Furthermore, the design is characterized by a traditional roof shape, an abstract strong form that doesn't make jumps. At the rear, the view side, the house is very transparent, while at the front and toward the neighbors the design is a bit more closed. Our concept was so clear that we chose to make it four variants instead of one "special. Because, why make several variants that are less fun? Moreover, they are positioned randomly across the plan. We do differentiate per dwelling in the materialization of the plinth and end wall (in wood or concrete) and in the color of the aluminum: black or bronze."

Versatile

Hoogeveen Architects deliberately chose the aluminum from PREFA. "It supports the conceptual form perfectly," according to Arjen. "The fine lines and texture create a sharp silhouette, almost like a drawing. The fact that the roof and façade flow into each other, without too many transitional details and with a concealed gutter construction, also provides a certain degree of tranquility. All the more so because the frame around the external staircase and the extension are also made of the same material. Aluminum is inherently a sleek and hard material, but proves incredibly versatile in this design. The house with wooden infill has a totally different look than the house with modern concrete plinth, while the aluminum roof is identical, even in color. The same applies to the versions with bronze roof and façade cladding from PREFA. You don't achieve nearly as much nuance with a ceramic material."

The four dike villas have now been completed and the residents have moved in. Arjen looks back on a fine collaboration, also with PREFA. "It is a very nice party to work with and they deliver what they promise and what we hoped for," he concludes. "The end result is beautiful."