Temporary housing with lasting quality
The municipality of Lochem has selected the Smitskamp location (Gorssel) for the construction of 35 temporary homes. These homes are intended for Ukrainian refugees and individuals in urgent need of housing. We were asked to develop an urban design plan and a visual quality plan for this project, working closely with all stakeholders. In collaboration with the advisory group, we crafted a vision emphasizing sustainability, fostering social interaction both within and beyond the community, and seamlessly integrating the development into the surrounding landscape.
"it's about creating a green, climate-friendly place where families can feel safe, connected, and truly at home."
Given the temporary nature of the project, intended to last approximately 10 years, we carefully considered the spatial interventions needed. Our goal was to create a welcoming, green living environment for vulnerable groups, including many families with young children. The plan focuses on wooden homes that blend harmoniously into the landscape. Surrounding the homes, as much shared space as possible is created, allowing the natural landscape to flow freely between the residences. The homes are oriented to encourage social interaction and strengthen the connection with the surrounding environment. At the heart of the plan, play areas are incorporated, and spaces are provided for residents to gather and connect.
"The urban design plan balances sustainability, social cohesion and a qualitative landscape."
The Smitskamp development is inspired by local typologies, seamlessly blending the living experience with the natural landscape. The homes are arranged in clusters, surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a gentle transition from private to shared spaces.
From Zutphenseweg, the project offers a green gateway to the village, featuring a playful composition of architecture and landscape. The surrounding landscape serves as the foundation for the spatial design. Varied planting heights and densities create a semi-transparent framing of the site, enabling a seamless transition between the project and the surrounding fields.
The edges of the plan are also visible from the adjacent residential plots and have been softened with a green buffer. Along the western edge of the site, a row of trees will be planted. This tree line enhances the natural green screening, harmonizing with the local landscape typology.
Typology
The homes consist of narrow, two-story residential units with pitched roofs. To create a varied spatial appearance, different roof orientations and staggered building lines have been incorporated. This results in a village-like typology.
Minimalised infrastructure
Limiting infrastructure for motorized traffic reduces the impact on the plan's green character and creates more space for slow traffic.
Nature-inclusive development
The use of permeable paving and subtle elevation differences ensures effective water management. Additionally, the landscape design makes a positive contribution to local flora and fauna.
"The municipality of Lochem is proud of the widely supported design for Smitskamp, which was developed in close collaboration with the local community and the advisory group."
Architectural principles
The architectural principles address the orientation of buildings and roofs, material use, side façades, openings, etc. In this way, the architectural quality is defined, while also allowing the market enough flexibility to further develop these the plan.
Public space principles
The public space plays as important a role in the perception of this plan as the architecture. The focus is on a green nature inclusive public space surrounding the buildings, working with terrain elevations, and greening the entire profile.
