AEMSEN develops concept for sustainable urban living

AEMSEN, a Rotterdam based architecture firm, has developed a sustainable, modular concept for urban living.

Dubbed Barbizon and developed for the redevelopment of the lots on the Barbizonlaan in Capelle can den IJssel, the 129,000-sf project is a green residential complex built with prefabricated CLT modules. The 112 apartments in 16 different housing types vary in size from approximately 485 sf to approximately 1,300 sf. The factory-built CLT modules are stackable and switchable without additional auxiliary construction.

The facade and roof will include architectural facilities for trees and plants while separate facilities for insects and birds will provide biodiversity. A greenhouse will also be included for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables. The greenhouses will also act as a space for social interaction between residents.

Barbizon southeast facade

This social interaction plays a central role in the concept. The shared green spaces form a “green valley” that is accessible to all residents of the complex via the corridors.

The concept also features solar energy, water storage, and is CO2 neutral. While designed for Capelle aan den IJssel in The Netherlands, the concept is versatile enough for many locations around the world.

Barbizon Green Valley

Barbizon Green valley and greenhouses

One of the hardest decisions multifamily developers and their design teams have to make is what mix of amenities they’re going to put into each project. A lot of squiggly factors go into that decision: the type of community, the geographic market, local recreation preferences, climate/weather conditions, physical parameters, and of course the budget. The permutations are mind-boggling.

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