Co-op housing

The city council of Den Haag initiated a design contest inviting architects to explore whether individual coop housing could be realized in vertical forms and in a phased building processes.

The frame of our self-build highrise - the first of its kind in The Netherlands - is based on cradle-to-cradle principles. The building's simple support structure consists of prefabricated concrete façade and hollow floor elements. Moreover, dry assembly methods facilitate easy future adaptation and re-use. During construction the assembly platform is gradually raised above the actual building allowing for an efficient and phased building process. This deck will ultimately accommodate unique collectives spaces and a permanent roof landscape for the residents.

In addition to deciding on the size of their house, the location of stairs, windows, open and outside spaces, the first residents will be able to customize installations in the hollow floors of their houses at all times. In this way maximum flexibility is created for future residents.

The development of the collective high-rise structure on the one hand and the individual units on the other have been disconnected to allow maximum flexibility. To make this initiative attractive to individual investors shares in the ownership of the structure are sold at millimeter building height. End users rent the units and finance the setup of their homes themselves.