Westerpark Breda • 1995-1996
Opdrachtgever: Hofbouwmij / Johan Matser Projectontwikkeling

Westerpark is a new-construction area near the centre of Breda in which the environment formed an important starting point for the urban plan. This led to a number of exceptional measures in the field of traffic circulation, water management, and public greenery.
The Singel, which lies in the centre of the neighbourhood and runs from north to south, plays a major role in the traffic structure and the water management. Contrasting concepts were developed for either side of the Singel: the east side became a gently sloping ecological bank while the west side has a more urban character.
DKV Architecten designed the houses on the urban west side of the Singel. To reinforce the Singel as the binding element, the substantiation of this side demanded tranquillity, continuity, and distinction. For this reason a housing type was designed consisting of a shallow rectangular volume with three storeys. The urban character is strengthened by elevating the houses a little in relation to the ground level. A broad staircase leads from the street to the terrace that is enclosed by a low wall and a railing. This uniform enclosure prevents an agitated picture arising as a result of individual substantiation of the terraces.
The facade is divided into a denser part and a transparent part that is set back a little. This vertical partitioning reinforces the stately nature of the urban houses.
Due to the irregular parcelling, the five strips on which the houses are situated are of different lengths. In combination with the set-back transparent part and the staggered façade openings in the more closed part of the front, a certain dynamic ambience is created in the streetscape.