The tension between the existing urban area and landscape qualities calls for a solid and powerful gesture, a plan strong enough in its own right to stimulate the continued development of the immediate surroundings. This has resulted in the design of an urban ensemble of three blocks that form a single entity and a neighbourhood in itself.

ALO+ makes a strong urban gesture on Laan Corpus den Hoorn. It becomes part of the interplay of morphological forms made up of high-rise structures in Groningen. The slightly rotated corner of the tower and the curve of the road create depth and perspective. The encounter between city and countryside is articulated in various ways. On the city side, a wall acts as a firm urban anchor that contrasts with the softer, stepped transition to the park landscape on the western side.

The ensemble is sturdy and robust yet open and transparent in appearance. Collective spaces are green in character and designed like greenhouses.

The addition of extra programme, such as wellness and fitness facilities, a swimming pool and sauna, work spaces and a bar, makes the greenhouse in the North Block the living room of the scheme. The square-shaped Middle Block contains a hidden garden filled with exuberant greenery along the galleries. The greenhouse in this block contains tropical plants that purify grey water that is reused locally. The reservoir in the greenhouse acts as a water buffer that reduces peak demand on the sewer system. The greenhouse in the South Block houses a café and is linked to the entrance of the mobility hub. The greenhouse is also connected to the collective vegetable garden within the block.

Linking the sustainability measures to the ‘greenhouse’ theme weaves sustainability and programme tightly together. Each building block has its own sustainability focus, in which the physical appearance – the greenhouse – ties together the various elements architecturally.