An award with a green edge

The Metaal Kathedraal in Utrecht was the stage for the Circular Design seminar on December 7, during which the VKG Architecture Prize was awarded for the thirteenth time. The jury had the clean task of determining which projects perfectly brought together circularity, execution technology and aesthetics, with a starring role for the window frames. The perfect combination was sought in two categories: new construction and renovation. Which architects, clients and suppliers provided the winning projects and what were the decisive arguments for the jury? 

Expert Jury

With the VKG Architecture Award, we (VKG, industry association for plastic window frames) give praise to architects of projects that deserve it. With the aim of inspiring architects, property developers, contractors, municipalities, housing cooperatives and other players in the building industry. 

The jury consisted of professionals from the construction and sustainability landscape. Former winners Arthur Nuss (Global Architects) and Arno Kolen (van den hout & kolen architects) selected and judged together with sustainability expert Mantijn van Leeuwen (Nibe) and Albert Zegelaar, VKG director. 

Arno Kolen, van den hout & kolen architects, as part of architect collective De Vierde Toren, won the previous edition of the VKG Architecture Prize in the renovation category. It was for the Zuringhof project in Tilburg. In the new construction category, Urban Lofts in The Hague by Global Architects took the prize.

New construction

The Unicorn, Amsterdam

Architectural firm Heren 5 with profiles from Gealan and frames from Transcarbo commissioned by Ymere.

Driven by a densification challenge, compact multigenerational social housing has been combined in De Eenhoorn. The gain in space is in the sharing of common areas for chores, washing and gathering. The use of triple glass in combination with the plastic window frames, solar panels and heat pumps, among other things, make the building energy-neutral. For a housing corporation that puts a lot of time and effort into maintaining a property, the long life and low maintenance requirements of plastic window frames are major advantages. The specific color of the gold coating is translucent which provides character and a luxurious look to the building.  

Renovation

Wheermolen Rudolf Garrelstraat, Purmerend

DOOR Architects with profiles by Kömmer-
ling and frames by Schipper kozijnen on behalf of Hemubo.

In the context of housing, infrastructure and greenery, a gallery apartment building with 137 social housing units was renovated. In addition to the renovation, 24 garage boxes on the first floor were converted into 16 homes. During construction in the 1980s, Schipper supplied plastic window frames. The new window frames, a novelty, were again supplied by Schipper Kozijnen and made of profiles consisting of 100% recycled plastic. At this time still quite unique to apply circular window frames on this scale. 

The jury's verdict

Arno: "Apartment buildings like the one in Purmerend are all over the Netherlands. Many still need to be renovated and this is a very good example of how it can be done aesthetically and sustainably. They are recognizable buildings and the prize winner handled the assignment very carefully. In that sense, the award is really a compliment to the client. It's nice when they support the architect's ambitions." 

Arthur adds: "As an architect, you have to deal with wishes and conditions from the client, including the use of plastic window frames. Architects are increasingly seeing the advantages of this versatile material. Our firm started looking into it and got inspiration from a manufacturer. The concept of wood connection and the quality of the top layer with wood grain convinced us to include this option in our designs."

Both judges are very pleased with the color choices and the processing of the window frames on Rudolf Garrel Street. Arthur: "We also paid attention to the contribution in terms of livability. On the first floor, the garage boxes have been converted into apartments with a small front garden. This is inventive and also gives more social control."

In terms of livability, De Eenhoorn also earns plus points. The building has a communal inner garden and indoor spaces are shared. The building also has a variety of residents, with apartments for starters, families and people over 60. This creates a nice social cohesion. Arthur: "Urban design-wise, it is a very interesting building, it fits in well with the existing environment." 

The application of the window frames deserves a beauty award, or in this case an architectural award. Arno: "Beautiful how the window frame has been applied as a total facade detailing. It has been incorporated into the masonry as a matter of course. And with the right colors. Here the choice was also made to continue the colors of the window frames in the balustrades. There is already a lot going on with this type of building, so it is good to use a monotone color scheme."

Tilt in the construction industry

As far as Arno is concerned, judging is an interesting challenge. "You have to think very nuanced about the projects. It's not just about beautiful or ugly, but about the complete concept, including sustainability. Arthur hopes the VKG Architecture Award inspires the industry. "We are working on it a lot as a firm, but it is sometimes more difficult to pick up when it is not prescribed. It requires courage, by clients, architects and also building planners. Fortunately, there are more parties like VKG and you can see that the circular is increasingly prevailing."