Protected Housing / möhn + bouman bv

Architects: möhn + bouman bv
Location: Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
Project area: 2,500 sqm
Photographs: Sarah Blee

This housing block for 24 mentally disabled is built within an existing neighbourhood.

The building is placed on a white concrete platform and is clad with black concrete elements.

With their vertical structure and integrated white stone blocks, this facade acts as a diapositive background for a screen of densely plated birch trees. The trees provide privacy for the inhabitants and are softening the shapes of the concrete.

At the corner the building has it’s entrance, supporting facilities as well as a small restaurant.

Here the white platform is lifted to introduce a large, completely open corner, interacting with the surrounding public space.