DelftsHart Delft | Marc Ibelings

The intimacy of a small village square

The new residential area Harnaschpolder is ten minutes by bike from the centre of Delft. The district is made up of more than 20 residential islands that are separated from each other by newly dug polder ditches. The design of three of these islands has been made by our office.

The houses on each island are arranged in two slightly curved rows that embrace a central open area with lots of green. This creates a safe communal place for the residents that feels like a small village square. On each of the islands, a different type of tree has been chosen in the front yard, which bloom in white, yellow and pink respectively. The houses are always coupled two by two, with the entrance on a common path that continues to the backyard with a garden shed.

Due to the absence of sheds at the front, there is a parking space in front of the house, while there is also room for a front garden. For example, residents can choose whether they sit in front of the house and can keep an eye on the children playing in the courtyard or sit in the spacious backyard, which opens onto the ditches around the island.

The car is 'a guest'

The pavement along the houses has been made as narrow as possible, so that it’s clear that the car is 'a guest'. Parking is possible at the houses, but to avoid the image of a parking lane, these parking spaces are framed by a combination of concrete seating elements and green. In this way, the car remains a not so present element in the public courtyard. Clustered parking is provided perpendicular to the street for the parking of visitors.

Use of different types of houses enhances village appearance

There are four different types of houses on the islands. All houses focus on the green courtyard around which the houses are placed. All houses are whithout gas connection.

In terms of architecture, the different housing types are clearly related. The facade material chosen is two shades of brick. Adjacent coupled houses are alternately constructed in mixed blue-red and mixed red stone. Deeply placed window frames are set back 18 cm’s in the facade, which gives the houses a sturdy appearance. The brick-built dormers add a stately accent to this. To add even more variation to the street scene. Some houses have been given a roof overhang, while other don’t have one. The roofs are fitted with flat ceramic tiles in a light slate grey tone. Together, these elements give the houses a modest and varied appearance, matching the residential courtyard atmosphere of the islands.