AZC Luttelgeest

The programme for AZC Luttelgeest (the Luttelgeest asylum seekers centre) comprises 141 sustainable homes, an office building, a building for welfare and education and a primary school. The 141 homes can accommodate up to 1000 refugees. Flexibility and sustainability were the two starting points of the design process for this project. The new buildings are all designed with sloped roofs emulating the neighboring buildings in the Noordoost Polder. The main buildings are all positioned to overlook a square and are designed with possible future conversion into holiday homes in mind.

The buildings of the AZC form an ensemble of rooflines with different shapes and orientations. Together they create a yard-like environment comprising a number of sheltered courtyards. The boundaries of the yard are demarcated by planting.

The architecture refers to its rural environment: sweeping expanses of tiled roofs and timber structures. The roofs shield the primary school and other functions. In contrast with the appearance of traditional farm buildings the facades are transparent. The timber structures remain visible in the completed buildings thanks to insulated roof boxes that have been mounted across the rafters. The combination of archetypical architecture, modern transparency and a high level of spatial quality makes this a unique project.