Defensie-eiland
Project data
- 210 residences, 800 m² of commercial/social real estate
- Municipality of Woerden, Groosman, ZECC Architecten, Braaksma & Roos and VORM
210 properties 11 property types 420 residents 2010 - 2019
A living area full of character
Defensie-eiland is a former defence area right in the centre of Woerden. It is divided into the three areas North, Central and South and developed accordingly. The entire area has been transformed into a quiet, characteristic living area with luxury apartments, large single-family homes and hull houses in historic factory buildings to be fully designed by the residents themselves. In addition, the old laundry building accommodates two restaurants to ensure the island is more than just a living area. Furthermore, we have incorporated various walking routes into the design.
Unique identities
Defensie-eiland offers a large variety of residences. North accommodates town houses and apartments and Central offers quayside houses, castle-like affordable homes, apartments and penthouses. On South you can find seven completely different identities developed by various architects. With every identity exuding its own unique ambiance. From Pure apartments, Eccentric quayside houses, Resolute residences along the water and Rugged living in the industrial street to Powerful apartments and Bold and Sturdy houses.
State-of-the-art architecture
The rich history of the former defence area is still evident in the architecture. Sturdy, honest materials were used, such as old clinkers. The saw-tooth roofs, steal bridges and old works of art refer to the industrial past. The three areas each have their own architectural style. North accommodates manor and town houses that are either sturdy, industrial, romantic or majestic. In Central you can find sturdy residences with large windows that refer to the old factory buildings. And South is characterised by seven unique identities.
Car-free
In the future, Defensie-eiland will be mainly car-free. A conscious decision to enhance the greenery and wetland area and to create more space for cyclists and pedestrians. Central’s residents will park their car in the parking spaces situated in the ground-floor inner area. A municipal carpark, with approx. 85 parking spaces, is situated underneath the apartments, residences and gardens of the castle-like homes. The gardens of the quayside houses are situated on the first floor, partially above the residents’ parking spaces. Each resident has his own reserved private parking space.