In the heart of Sas van Gent, on the border of ancient fortifications where only a few hedges still remind of days of old, De Statie is situated, a Multifunctional Community School and a senior housing complex. Besides a library, several community facilities and a sports centre, the complex accommodates two primary schools, a childcare centre, playgroup and municipal health service (GGD), and a residential complex of 23 apartments.
The shape of this location is rather whimsical, and the complex responds to this shape using randomness and plasticity. The building cannot be surveyed at a single glance, due to the angular rotations, overhangs and variety in surfaces: regular window sections versus windows in various sizes. By contrast, the senior housing complex, which forms a composition with De Statie, is a rectangular volume. From the centre of Sas van Gent, a clear route to this new complex is provided, which ends in the central heart called ‘Het Venster’ (the window). From this site, the diagonally situated senior housing complex on the Canadalaan is perceptible thanks to a visibility line.
Het Venster consists of two storeys, which are bordered by various facilities. This central heart is a major component of the complex, as here the future users and visitors can see and meet each other. As this was a desired effect, we have strived for a high level of synergy. Already during the framing of the Schedule of Requirements, a lot of research was carried out concerning double use of the rooms and gathering possibilities of the various groups of visitors. For instance, the meeting room of the community centre has been combined with the reading room of the library. In addition, the sports canteen has been situated in this part, thus creating a continuous space with rooms for the various users.
In fitting with the attractive traditional barns with which Zeeland is abundantly characterised, the facade of De Statie consists of gunwale-like, black wooden parts. Wide white-framed window sections are alternated with narrow vertical window sections. Only at one spot, a bay sticks out. As the senior housing complex has a residential function, this blends in with the houses of Sas van Gent, and is built in light-coloured bricks.
The schools are properly ventilated and have gained level B label of the building system ‘Frisse Scholen’ (fresh schools). A sun-thermal energy roof, in combination with thermal energy storage will ensure that the user will keep energy costs to a minimum.
De Statie is a so-called 'total engineering’ assignment, which means that atelier PRO coordinates all the advisors working on the project. From framing of the Schedule of Requirements and creating the Preliminary Design, we have put out to tender according to the Final Design+.
