Hague, The Netherlands
European Prize for Architecture laureates Mecanoo Architecten starts the construction of two residential towers of 150 and 180 meters sitting on a seven-story plinth with 1400 residences composed of 30% social housing, 20% mid-range housing, and 50% free-sector rental properties, in order to respond to the overpopulation phenomenon in Hague.
Named the Grace, the complex is being realized at Rijswijkseweg near the city center and overlooks the Trekvliet canal, which will be transformed into a waterfront park for pedestrians and cyclists in the coming years.
The Grace links the Binckhorst and Laakhavens neighborhoods with the city center, and its combination of living and working spaces connects new entrepreneurs with residents.
The residential concept is based on the growing demand for affordable housing and fostering a sense of community.
With over 1400 social, medium, and free-sector rental properties and a wide range of communal facilities, The Grace addresses this need. The iconic two-tower ensemble, one reaching 150 meters and the other 180 meters, sits on a seven-story plinth.
The buildings form a harmonious composition with subtle variations in open and closed facade elements, transparent and soft corners, materialization, and color.
Residents can enjoy a view of the city and, beyond that, of the sea.
The plinth features commercial functions, a restaurant, and offices on the ground floor, while its upper levels contain housing, offices, and communal facilities.
Arcades on either side of the complex offer protection against wind and rain, and create sheltered places for restaurant customers and shoppers.
The plinth opens to the Schipperskwartier neighborhood and the new Trekvlietpark in the form of a raised green roof garden that offers space to the resident community for all kinds of activities.
A transparent lobby forms the lively heart of the complex. It offers work and gathering areas for residents, a reception desk for visitors, and an overview of the activities in the surrounding co-working spaces.
The lobby is, in fact, an extended home. Here, you can meet each other, or find a place to work or study.
In addition, the building supports an emerging sustainable subculture, providing residents with shared bicycles and electric cars.
Regarding the communal facilities, the Grace development includes a launderette, work and exercise areas, enclosed bicycle parking and a reception area with postal/parcel service, as well as pleasant sky lounges.
To conclude, the Grace is set to become one of the world’s most sustainable residential towers.
The buildings are constructed using high-quality materials and equipped with an energy-efficient heat recovery system, smart facility-sharing, and green rooftop terraces.
The Grace is also gas-free and fully electric, with a large portion of the electricity being generated by its own 4,500 m² solar park.
Project: The Grace
Architects: Mecanoo Architecten
Lead Architects: Francine Houben and Dick van Gameren
Client: Movement Real Estate and Van Deursen Group
Renderings: Mecanoo Architecten
