Willem Dreeshuis, Amsterdam

The Willem Dreeshuis offers housing for seniors at every stage of that period in their lives, from completely independent to in need of help and ultimately hospice.

The building is part of an inner-city new development with a wide variety of functions, urban spaces and architectural forms. The 3 main facades each have an entrance and its own theme, related to the type of senior housing, the orientation to the sun and the interaction with the environment. The outer facade is bricked in sintered bricks, which reflect the light of the different weather conditions through the shiny surface. The façade around the courtyard is light coloured to reflect the daylight.

Urban connectedness

Social program contributing to the neighbourhood is included in the plinth of the Willem Dreeshuis. These surround the parking garage. The houses above are situated around an inner courtyard with herb gardens. This combination of functions in compacted urbanization is special and introduced a new trend in 2014: Seniors in an urban building in the midst of an urban environment with daily needs within walking distance. This stimulates the daily activities of seniors. A key to a longer happy life through social solidarity and independence.

Spices in the city

Residents can "adopt" a herb garden on each floor to maintain and harvest together. A modest activity as a counterpoint to the urban environment.

Carefree to care dependent

The plan contains housing for seniors: independent, light care, heavy care, hospital ward and a hospice. All possible facets in this final phase of life. The building is divided into different sections, each with its own entrance, because an independent senior does not want to be associated with a dependent person.

Sustainable investment

The apartments are designed in such a way that they can also be offered as regular residences after the aging wave.

The building is equipped with a system for storage heat and cold combined with considerably higher insulation values ​​than the requirement in the Building Decree.