tower of woensel

client: Housing cooperation Trudo, Eindhoven
location: Edisonstraat, Woensel West, Eindhoven
realisation: 2016 (design competition)
program: 252m², special design for a streetcorner housing block

The tower of Woensel is a compact 3-level house on an existing plinth. The tower has been designed as a landmark by maximizing the visual experience from the urban environment. From all sides, the tower looks different and the intensity of the color changes behind the perforated steel plates of the stairwell. The design is inspired by aviaries and well-known towers in architectural history, inspired by the desire to enrich urban design and to add an innovative form of living to the colorful Woensel west.

The stacked circular floor plans also refer to children's candy on a stick. This may also be a landmark for children playing on Edison Square. This alienating form compared to regular houses will be experienced differently by everyone and can therefore rise above personal taste, age and culture.

Architecture and orientation;

The entrance to the house is located in the courtyard at the back side. The house starts on the first floor with the living room and kitchen. A large terrace has been placed on the roof of the existing building, adjacent to the living room. The bedroom is one floor up and the bathroom is located on the top floor, with a shower with skylight in the middle. As the glass walls are curved with the perforated parapet of the stairwell, private spaces in the house have also been taken into account. In addition, the rotation of the floor plans has created an optimal environment in relation to the orientation to the neighborhood and the incidence of sunlight. The ever-changing perspective on the environment provides a very rich living experience.

Construction and use of materials;

The load-bearing facade of glass, the staircase, the two hollow columns (also serving as closets), the shower core and the floor surfaces jointly ensure the stability of the building. Materials used are wood, steel, perforated steel, chrome and glass. The pink color on the inner cavity leaf is visible through the perforated steel plate. The interior finish in the stairwell is also pink, which is reflected on the chrome interior elements such as the shower wall. These effects together provide the ever-changing experience of rose shades in and on the building.

Sustainability and lifestyle;

Sustainability in this design is not about the most efficient use of materials, passive energy through optimal orientation and/or the use of alternative energy sources ... this design is about the philosophy of living, living together and sharing experiences in a colorful neighborhood. It's about lifestyle and identity. About a landmark for everyone.