dominique perrault: la liberte - now complete

'la liberte' by dominique perrault architecture in groningen, the netherlands
image © prima focus / DPA / adagp


internationally practicing architect dominique perrault has completed 'la liberté', a multi-storey
social housing and office building in groningen, netherlands. conceived in line with the 'ring zuid groningen'
initiative that called for the development of neighbourhoods lining the main highway of the country,
the mix-used project aims to stand as a new sign of urban renewal for the area and the city.



street view
image © prima focus / DPA / adagp


comprised of two towers - measuring approximately 80 meters and 40 meters - the general volumes
of the project sets a new vertical standard for the area, establishing itself as a new visual landmark within
the urban landscape. both buildings feature a base platform that rises to the height of the adjacent post war
social housing blocks, maintaining and extending the sense of horizontality by being constructed
completely out of glass. the resulting exterior reads as a set of floating volumes which accommodate
the housings above the office levels. to coordinate a smooth transition from corporate to private dwellings,
a five-meter high terrace wraps around the storey in between, providing a sheltered common space for
inhabitants. an elevated footbridge at this level directly connects the circulation between both towers.



view of tower
image © prima focus / DPA / adagp


finished in shades of black, grey and whites, the facades of the housing blocks lend the towers
a dynamic aesthetic. polished steel panels are placed perpendicularly to the surface to punctuate
the elevations and multiply the perceptions of the building, as well as offer alternative views and
additional light intake for the inhabitants. in total, the project provides 120 apartment units in
15 different types with 40 variants.



facades
image © prima focus / DPA / adagp



images © prima focus / DPA / adagp



rendered perspective
image © DPA / adagp


view from lawn
image © DPA / adagp



view from lawn
image © DPA / adagp



image © DPA / adagp



architect's sketch
image © dominique perrault / adagp



sketch - projects of the 'ring zuid groningen' initiative
image © groningen



site and ground floor plan
image © DPA /adagp

longitudinal section
image © DPA /adagp


project info:

client: christelijke woningstichting patrimonium, the netherlands
associated architect: oving architekten, groningen
site area: 10, 230 m2
built area: 23, 400 m2

structural engineering: dijkhuis groningen
electrical engineering: zonderman b.v.
heating and ventilation systems: feenestra
general contractor: gevekebouw b.v.