Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Interior Photography, Windows, Door, FacadeSuperlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Interior Photography, StairsSuperlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, WindowsSuperlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, WindowsSuperlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - More Images+ 41

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Waterfront, Facade
© Stijn Poelstra

Text description provided by the architects. Designed as an Open Building, Superloft Blok Y forms part of the ongoing Superlofts project, initiated by Marc Koehler Architects (MKA), focused on flexibility, participation, and adaptability. It offered a collective of 30 homeowners a blank canvas to customize or design and build their apartments according to their needs, and actively engaged them from the outset to co-create the building and its shared spaces. A unique complex - where no two apartments are alike - results from the building’s radical flexibility, collective character and high level of sustainability.

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Image 37 of 46
Axonometry
Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Stijn Poelstra

The five-story building comprises a base framework (support) that is independently fitted out (infill) by the inhabitants. Blok Y combines 30 Superlofts into 5 types - XS lofts (70m2) to family lofts (145m2) - resulting in a rich diversity of dwellings and mixed community. Homeowners could fit out a completely raw space (by themselves or together with an architect) or customize an existing floor plan, and also their exterior. The open concrete framework is organized into varying loft formats with two or three stories, single or double facade, with a roof terrace, balcony or garden. Their unique layouts are uncommon in conventional housing, many designed to flexibly accommodate future change e.g. by incorporating a lift or flexible partitions to reconfigure the interior once the kids leave home. Generous voids create a beautiful sense of space and light.  

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Stijn Poelstra

Constructed with a considered use of materials and meticulous detailing, the facade is a simple but strong expression of the concept. The interplay of the fixed concrete grid and variation in details from the customized facades results in a robust, dynamic building that reflects the diversity of its community. The slim concrete grid is filled in with a framework of double-height windows that bring light deep into the apartments. A lively facade composition results from the varying loft exteriors, with their different entrances, balconies and window configurations. By night, modules of glowing interiors animate the framework, reflecting the changing activity within.

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Image 40 of 46
Exploded Structure Diagram 2
Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Marcel van der Burg

Constructed with a considered use of materials and meticulous detailing, the facade is a simple but strong expression of the concept. The interplay of the fixed concrete grid and variation in details from the customized facades results in a robust, dynamic building that reflects the diversity of its community. The slim concrete grid is filled in with a framework of double-height windows that bring light deep into the apartments. A lively facade composition results from the varying loft exteriors, with their different entrances, balconies and window configurations. By night, modules of glowing interiors animate the framework, reflecting the changing activity within.

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Image 45 of 46
Types Diagram
Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Countertop
© Stijn Poelstra

A high level of sustainability is achieved through the integrated use of technologies such as floor heating and cooling using geothermal heat pumps with heat recovery, 180 solar panels for individual and shared energy needs, CO2 sensors for ventilation with heat recovery, passive solar design integrating double or triple glazing with electric sunshade and low maintenance facade materials. This results in an EPC of 0.3 and average GPR figure of 7.5.

Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects - Image 18 of 46
© Marcel van der Burg

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Veemarkt, 3573 Utrecht, The Netherlands

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Superlofts Blok Y / Marc Koehler Architects" 19 Jul 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/898293/superlofts-blok-y-marc-koehler-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Stijn Poelstra

Blok Y 公寓,小房子填进混凝土框架 / Marc Koehler Architects

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.