Hans van Heeswijk Architectshome
Feasibility study extension and renovation De Oostdorsch Estate
Zaandam 2002

Feasibility study upgrading and new development housing
160 existing dwellings, 100 new dwellings and 500 m2 care centre
Commissioned by housing cooperation Patrimonium, Amsterdam

The apartment building De Oostdorsch in Zaandam dates from the Seventies, and was up for a major overhaul. It’s located on a finger of land in the green water-rich periphery between city and country, close to a large traffic tunnel under a major waterway – an ideal location, but isolated. A very good reason to propose additional housing, along with the required renovation.

The existing building would become part of a coherent residential area. A new underground parking garage enhances the feel of urban living in green surroundings. At the joint of the high-rise, a third wing is added which connects with the present stairs and elevators. After adding a new elevator, the existing ones can be replaced without inconvenience to the tenants. A residential care centre on the ground floor offers all necessary services to ensure that people remain living in this unique location as long as they wish.

The presence of a sewage treatment plant in a radius of 900 feet meant that the project got no further than this feasibility study.

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