Living like home, in unity and tranquility

How do you achieve a neat facade finish?

Pleasant places to work, learn and live. But also healthy environments with a human touch, for now and for later. That is the passion of ARCOM architecture + construction management. In addition to educational, sports and utility projects, the Veenendaal-based architecture firm is a frequent partner in residential and care projects. The realization of the new residential care location in Ede-Zuid fits in perfectly with this. 

"September Ede Villa Bos en Heide is part of the small-scale residential homes of Wonen bij September, which is highly committed to living enjoyment," says Jan Thijs Groenendijk, architect at ARCOM. "Following the motto 'living like home', love, attention and commitment are paramount. The main goal is that elderly people with dementia can continue the life they are used to as well and as long as possible, supported - where necessary - by expert care workers." In Ede, too, this ambition had to be expressed to the maximum extent.

Nice transition

September Ede Villa Bos en Heide was realized at Eshofweg and Geerweg in the Reehorst neighborhood. "This location is special because it forms a link between a residential area on the one hand and activity and education on the other," says Groenendijk. "The connecting zone is designed as a green area, in which the new building is harmoniously fitted. We very deliberately chose an L-shaped layout with two linked residential buildings, which partly orient themselves toward the residential neighborhood and the adjacent wooden playground. In the 'armpit' of the buildings, a shared veranda with a large garden has been set up, creating a nice transition between inside and outside, between stimuli and peace and between nature and architecture." 

In terms of architecture, moreover, the relationship with the neighborhood was sought. Not so much in formal language, but in appearance, Groenendijk emphasizes. "To make the best use of the available square footage, we designed a three-story new building with a flat roof. Both connected residential buildings offer space for 24 residents. Communal living is arranged 'just like home' on the first floor, while bedrooms are located on the upper floors. Residents thus live with their feet on the ground and with a view of the garden, which they are free to enter. In this regard, the garden provides a natural and safe separation between indoor and outdoor worlds."

Gable skirting in soft dark gray

Like the adjacent homes, the facades are done in brownish-red brickwork, combined with an accent block in light beige. "To also make the plinth stand out, we looked for an appropriate sheet material, which we found in Holonite's facade plinths." 

The company specializes in sill systems and composite stone facade and finishing elements. "Because ARCOM already has extensive experience with our products, properties and processing were known," says Account Manager Albert Stooker. "However, we did share some principle detailing and a sample box of color schemes, to provide insight into the many possibilities." 

Says Groenendijk, "We reviewed various dressings and colors, after which our choice fell on a calm and soft dark gray shade. Together with contractor Bruil, we then did the detail engineering, after which Bruil was responsible for installation." 

Prior to this assembly, Stooker visited the project with the adhesive supplier. "We explained the do's & don'ts for installation and answered any questions," he says. "Combined with Bruil's craftsmanship, this approach resulted in a very neat façade finish."

Unity and tranquility

A total of 810 m2 of non-insulated Holonite facade skirting was installed, in sizes of 500 x 300 x 20 mm (lxwxd) and 1,000 x 300 x 20 mm (lxwxd). "A half-brick bond was chosen, which continues a bit higher in a few places. This ensures the human scale in the facades," says Groenendijk. "Moreover, the facade plinths run harmoniously into the veranda, giving this building section even more dimension. The half-brick bond with rounded corners on the long sides is a subtle nod to the faceted stucco of the past, but without the associated maintenance. In fact, Holonite products are completely maintenance-free. The fact that the window sills and wall coverings (eaves) are also made of Holonite creates unity and tranquility. But it also creates a building that fits well into its surroundings. We have already received many enthusiastic responses from the neighborhood."