JPO plan chosen for Stadsbrug-location Weert
For the development of the Stadsbrug-location in Weert, the municipality has chosen the plan of developer JPO, part of VolkerWessels. "Besides the sustainable and architectural aspects, the combination with the social context was very appealing", explains Wendy van Eijk.
The concept has therefore been called ‘en’ (‘and’) by JPO. "The plan is based on inclusiveness, creating a green and social icon. It will be a place where encounters are central. There is room for everyone. It is iconic, but on a human scale," says Gard Stals, director of JPO.
‘en' consists of three sustainably designed buildings, designed around a contemplative garden. The plan is based on 16 studios with communal areas and 55 flats of various sizes, spread over one or two floors. There is also room for two neighbourhood functions and small-scale catering establishments.
Process
Alderman Van Eijk is very pleased with the outcome, as well as the process leading up to it. "There was a lot of enthusiasm for the call for tenders, with 29 applicants. The quality of the other three parties in the final round was also very high. In the end, I think that the choice made by the assessment committee for 'end' results in a northern city entrance to be proud of."
Room for freedom
This is also the feeling that Stals, a native of Weert, has with the project. "It makes me proud to be able to add something to my 'own' city after years of working on special projects elsewhere. Weert is the city in green. With 'en', we are now bringing green into the city. With hanging gardens, green roofs, roof terraces, built-in nesting boxes, the use of sustainable wood and, as an eye-catcher, a green crown. Moreover, the sloping roof construction means that everyone has outdoor space. It really will be a place with room for freedom. That fits well with Weert. Space to be yourself; space for happiness! That is also what JPO stands for.
Team 'en'
The team 'en', which won the development competition Stadsbrug-location Weert, consists of architect FAAM, landscape architect DELVA, construction contractor Stam & De Koning (a VolkerWessels company), sustainability consultant Huisman & Van Muijen, communications agency Gewest 13, estate agent Dwars Makelaars and engineering firm Aveco de Bondt (also a VolkerWessels company). The consortium is led by project developer JPO.
