In the emerging Nieuw Delft district, adjacent to the central train station, Common City partnered with Space&Matter to create the award-winning LeeuwenDeel project. This standalone residential structure unifies at a prime location near the future Van Leeuwenhoekpark, linking various building blocks and the local Delft community. This project is not just your run-of-the-mill construction; it’s a testament to collaborative innovation and community building.
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LeeuwenDeel: Common City’s Innovative Residential Project in Nieuw Delft
At its core, LeeuwenDeel is all about co-commissioning, a forward-thinking approach where future residents actively participate in the design process. This methodology fosters a deep connection between inhabitants and their living spaces, cultivating a tight-knit community. The result? A residential masterpiece comprising 15 units strategically complemented by an inviting plinth that animates the surrounding public areas.
The first two floors of LeeuwenDeel boast an inclusive educational program, offering diverse activities and facilities to acquaint residents with various crafts and techniques. A ‘makerspace’ tailored for children and local inhabitants further enriches community engagement and play, nurturing a profound sense of ownership.
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The architects behind this visionary project have embraced co-creation, collaborating closely with future residents to craft the building’s design jointly. This approach bridges the gap between conventional private commissioning and traditional top-down development. LeeuwenDeel empowers residents to influence home layout, size, and common area configurations, ensuring it accommodates their needs and budgets.
Drawing inspiration from Delft’s rich architectural heritage, the six-story LeeuwenDeel harmonizes with the city’s historical aesthetics. Traditional townhouse rhythms and openings find their way into the design, and a varied brick façade provides a tactile and textured look. Openwork corners and miniature cantilevers accentuate the building’s character, while the top floors seamlessly connect with urban surroundings through spacious roof terraces.
© Space&Matter
The LeeuwenDeel project is not the first accolade for Space&Matter, the architectural firm behind this marvel. Their prior projects, including the pioneering Schoonschip in Amsterdam, have set benchmarks for sustainable community-driven urban developments. Their commitment to user participation, co-creation, and co-ownership is exemplified in Object One, a building with a flexible structural system inspired by the “Open Building” concept.
With its innovative community building and design approach, LeeuwenDeel is poised to redefine residential living in Nieuw Delft. As this visionary project continues to evolve, it promises to shape the future of urban living, making Nieuw Delft an even more vibrant and inclusive community.
