Sinfonia: a symphony by two architects

The Carré
The basic principle for the Carré project in Leidsche Rijn Centrum Oost is to achieve an urban quality with single-family homes accessed from the street. The perimeter building blocks are three or four storeys tall, with some points of emphasis in strategic places. The blocks are located along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, the imposing Sophialaan and Park Leeuwenstein. Roofing over the A2 motorway creates height differences that are uncommon in the Netherlands.

Architecture: unity in diversity
The architecture is varied yet unified because all buildings feature a classical composition with a tall 4.5-metre plinth, tectonics, plasticity and articulation. The individual styles of Dok and MRA&U blend harmoniously with each other. The blocks are composed of rows of individually distinctive buildings, larger and smaller, arranged ‘shoulder to shoulder’ as singles, twins or triplets, along or set back from the building line. Balconies, loggias and bay windows are part of the architecture and contribute to the varied image. The buildings are crowned by setbacks and various roof shapes. Flower boxes protrude above the entrances on some facades. A zig-zag wall along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal side creates front gardens with a tree here and there. The strict building line is staggered in places, with an exciting sense of variety enhanced by a prominent square with a tree.

Homes
The homes consist of all sorts of typologies, including live/work units, split-level units, wide and shallow loft-like units, apartments and so on. All houses have a tall and flexible ground floor (4.5 metres) with a striking double-height entrance and the possibility of a work space at ground level.

Parking
Parking spaces and shared bike sheds are provided on site thanks to the half-sunken garage solution, with double use of the partly shared deck of gardens above. That results in an interesting split-level arrangement inside, with a rear entrance and storage area accessed from the garage.

Rich detailing
All buildings are faced in various shades of yellow-brown and red-brown brickwork in multiple formats, hues and bonds, with a tall plinth of natural stone that unifies the whole composition. The facades are characterized by rich brickwork panels that create a serene yet varied appearance. Plot size, composition, articulation, rhythm and tectonics all play an important role.

Natural sustainability and naturally healthy urbanization
Sinfonia incorporates components that by now are obvious, such as PV panels, triple glazing, joint sealing, balanced ventilation systems with heat recovery and good insulation. The homes use no gas and are energy neutral. The richly detailed sustainable facades age beautifully because dirt is less visible on decorative brickwork. The curved facades above the entrances culminate in a flower box so that vegetation can, over time, extend across the exterior. Flower boxes are also integrated into the curved balconies, resulting in a green and vibrant facade.
A particularly special aspect in terms of sustainability can be found in the courtyards. Substantial amounts of soil were used to make green areas and shared ecological zones with an edible garden. Kiwi plants extend up the walls, and residents can meet one another in green surroundings. Vegetation not only reduces heat stress but also fosters social cohesion among residents.
The floor plans of the houses themselves are flexible in arrangement and therefore future-proof. The 4.5-metre-tall ground floor offers occupants the possibility of having an office or business within the home and living spaces on the upper floors. In that way, the houses can evolve over time in response to changing needs. Sustainability in the long term, for residents and for the city.
The houses consist of all sorts of typologies, including live/work units, split-level units, wide and shallow loft-like units, apartments and so on.