Residential Area in Alkmaar/Holland
The starting point for the planning of this residential quarter was a national competition for the application of timber frame construction using the so-called "Swedish platform method." The total cost per housing unit was limited within the framework of the social housing program. Approximately one hectare of land was available for every 70 units. On this land, seven house types of varying sizes and corresponding structural designs were built in a differentiated arrangement. A minimum price of 122,000 guilders per unit, including the land, was a prerequisite, with the overall execution of the building and finishing elements—despite the intended and achieved diversity of the individual housing units—requiring prefabrication. From an urban planning perspective, the integration of the quarter into the canal course was a key requirement. The rows of houses were arranged around landscaped inner courtyards.
