New construction houses Weespersluis | Weesp — © Wienerberger B.V.

Recreation of brick history

architectum edition #40

Weespersluis, Weesp

in The Netherlands

Products used

Jade WS WF, Sargas HV WF, Douro Porto Gereduceerd HV WF, Navarra HV WF, Belcanto HV WF, Nederrijn HV WF, Espa HV WF, Cosmos Exclusief WS WF, Rutiel WS WF, Bronsgroen HV WF, Lapis HV WF, Marowijne Zwart Zand HV WF, Asturia HV WF, Tuile du Nord Opalys antraciet engobe and leikleur mat engobe, Padova WF80, DF80 and KK80

Recreation of brick history

A residential neighbourhood near Amsterdam seamlessly blends traditional brickwork architecture with modern living standards. The housing units captivate with diverse brick detailing and an array of shades.

In response to the increasing demand for countryside living in The Netherlands, the developers of Weespersluis aimed to create a village embodying the charm and historic ambiance of turn-of-the-century architecture. Located just outside Amsterdam, Weespersluis is a thoughtfully designed residential area spanning 300 hectares, offering the tranquility of green surroundings with convenient access to the capital. Three districts have already been completed, featuring town villas, single-family, and two-family homes, many of which were designed by Zeinstra Veerbeek Architecten ZVA from The Hague. Remco Veerbeek, a partner at ZVA and the lead architect, elaborates the choices in materials and architectural details.

What is the story behind Weespersluis and how did you get involved in this large-scale urban development project?

Reemco Veerbeek: Weespersluis is a vast residential development characterised by low-rise buildings. It began in 2017, approximately two years before we joined the project.
We were invited to present ideas, which the developers appreciated and chose to collaborate with us on. This represents a significant undertaking for us. Ultimately, Weespersluis will feature around 3,500 high-quality housing units. To date, we have designed 130 distinct housing types for 475 homes across the Lanenrijk, Vechtrijk, and Waterrijk districts. Additional houses in two more districts are in the planning stages and will follow soon.

How do the districts differ from each other?

Reemco Veerbeek: Currently, three areas have been completed, each with a unique typology, yet a cohesive overall appearance. Lanenrijk is a neighbourhood characterised by canals, lanes, and green courtyards, drawing inspiration from the urban neighbourhoods that emerged in major cities at the end of the 19th century. Vechtrijk focuses on the river Vecht and mirrors the quaint charm of the nearby old town of Weesp. Waterrijk features spacious homes nestled in greenery beside a central lake. Its architecture is reminiscent of the villa districts from the 19th and 20th centuries, boasting large roofs and sleek façade endings.

Why do all districts play with historical connotations and architectural heritage?

Remco Veerbeek: The concept of reflecting on this historical period began with the developer. We studied various turn-of-the-century buildings and reimagined them with a modern twist. While the details differ slightly, the overall look and feel closely resembles those historic areas. In the late 19th century, cities underwent significant expansion, replacing city walls with this style of housing, interspersed among expansive areas. These neighbourhoods became charming residential spaces, featuring attractive homes and parks. Developers aimed to recreate this lifestyle.

Tiles influence the aesthetic of houses, with all homes clad in bricks, some featuring tiled roofs, and decorative elements crafted from bricks. Why is brick the predominant material?

Remco Veerbeek: The Netherlands boasts a rich tradition in brickwork, enabling intricate details and a variety of colour shades. At ZVA, we have a profound appreciation for working with brick, which constitutes about 90% of our daily projects. In this particular endeavour, the choice of material was driven by the desire to recreate the turn-of-the-century appearance.

„Bricks and ceramic tiles are exceptional materials. Rather than degrading, they develop a beautiful patina.” - Remco Veerbeek, ZVA Architecten

What are the advantages of using bricks and ceramic tiles?

Remco Veerbeek: Bricks and ceramic tiles are exceptional materials, having stood the test of time for centuries while maintaining their integrity and appealing texture. Rather than degrading, they develop a beautiful patina. The versatile scale of bricks allows for intriguing variations and a wide array of shapes and ornamental designs. We particularly enjoyed experimenting with bricks and masonry joints, altering the colour of the mortar can introduce new shades, giving the building a unique character. Additionally, observing how light refracts differently off each brick throughout the day and year enhances the building’s distinct appearance.

With so many different building types comes a huge number of different bricks. How did you choose the bricks?

Remco Veerbeek: We chose the roof tiles and façade bricks at the wienerberger Expo in Zaltbommel, located in the heart of The Netherlands. The paving bricks were selected by the landscape architects. For the roof tiles, we intentionally limited the variety to a few types, ensuring a cohesive pattern amidst diverse house designs. When it came to the façades, we contemplated our desired colour palette before visiting the wienerberger showroom. Our visits typically last a few hours, during which we handle the pieces, observe how light interacts with them, and assess their harmony. These sessions are not only productive but also enjoyable. The specialists at the expo guided us in selecting bricks that met our specifications regarding measurements and details. As a long-term partner, we greatly valued the expertise of the wienerberger team.

How satisfied are you with the result and the collaboration on the project?

Remco Veerbeek: We are extremely pleased. Recently, we took a bicycle tour through the districts with fellow architects who were amazed by the architecture and brickwork. I must say, it turned out remarkably well. Good architecture relies on quality bricks, and in this case, they made all the difference.