Utrecht Merwede - Block 1

Coulisse city: unity in diversity
The design for Greystar consists of 13 different buildings that break down the scale of the blocks. By creating a hierarchy between the buildings and allowing the higher facades to recede, a characteristic cityscape is created that is closely related to the surroundings. Simple buildings form the basis and are complemented by solid buildings with a strong identity and special buildings which are smaller and more abundant. The use of materials, colors and façade composition give the buildings a distinct identity while maintaining a consistent urban fabric. The rich palette of facade materials includes brick, natural stone, aluminum, reclaimed plastic, wood, sheet metal and profiled steel plate. To enhance the diversity between the buildings, GROUP A, as coordinating architect, has teamed up with Zoetmulder architects for a number of buildings.

Vibrant neighborhood with amenities
The block combines compact, high-quality rental apartments in the social, mid-rent and market segments with a high level of services and amenities. Mixing these housing types with community facilities creates social cohesion and a sustainable mix of students, young professionals, seniors, families and singles. The plinths include a restaurant, supermarket, retail and office functions and good mobility facilities.

Mobility facilities at the public square
This block houses the parking garage with the public mobility facilities for several residential blocks in the southern Merwedekanaal zone. At the neighborhood square, this mobility hub is marked by a specially designed block opening that also provides access to the green courtyard. This is where the mobility store with package walls is located, where a shared car can be booked and access is provided to the shared parking garage with a total of 494 parking spaces. The use of bicycles is stimulated by good bicycle parking facilities in the plinth with over 1,400 spaces.

Lavish courtyards for strong social connections
Green landscaped courtyards, designed by Burobol, strengthen the social connections between residents. The design’s characteristic features are the widened nodes with room for gathering, a large vegetable garden and a greenhouse. In addition to the social function, the roof gardens have an important ecological function and store water. Both the gardens and the facades provide nesting sites for local insect, bird and animal species.

Sustainable living environment
Greystar invests in a durable relationship with its users by remaining involved as owner and property manager. Sustainability is an integral part of the design process. In addition to the sustainability requirements of the building code, a sustainability target has been agreed in the Merwede cooperation agreement, which, among other things, translates into an average GPR score of 8.

The sustainable mix of housing types, along with a vibrant plinth, good mobility amenities and a comfortable green environment, create a resilient neighborhood ready for the challenges of the future.