Hembrug in Zaandam
Preserving and strengthening the historic character
This former military site of 42.5 hectares has a rich collection of unique typologies, area identities and landscape structures and is being developed into a mixed area for living, entrepreneurship, art and culture, nature and events.
Assignment
Masterplan, Stedenbouwkundig plan, Beeldkwaliteitsplan, diverse studies
Result
2021: Masterplan Hembrug
2022: Urban Plan Northern Part Hembrug
2022: Image Quality Plan
Huidig: Urban Plan Southern Part Hembrug
Location
Hembrug, Zaandam
Client
Hembrug Zaandam BV (ABC Planontwikkeling, L.I.F.E. Europe B.V. and Ten Brinke)
Collaboration
Strootman Landschapsarchitecten, Group A architects, Venhoeven CS, Dam & Partners Architecten, Goudappel, Buro Bouwfysica, Did Vastgoedontwikkeling, Kickstad, de Firma Stek
Period
2017 – present
Marco Broekman, Christa Rinzema, Milja Hartikainen, Saskia Kleij, Rebecca Smink, Pinar Balat, Onno van Rieven, Guido Martin, Paul van Eeden, Chiara Stucchi, Mariëlle Wetter, Chloé Charreton, Imane Boutanzit and María Navarro Sánchez.
A unique location
Hembrug is a unique location in Zaandam located along the North Sea Canal and the Zaan River. The former military site of 42.5 hectares has a rich collection of unique building typologies, area identities and landscape structures and is being developed into a mixed area for living, entrepreneurship, art and culture, nature and events. A total of 180,000 m2 of new program will be developed. In addition to the housing assignment, energy and mobility transition, sustainability and the right balance between historic character and new construction are important themes that will be included in the urban development plan.
Energy and mobility transition, sustainability and the right balance between historic character and new construction are important themes that are included in the urban development plan.
Preservation of the historical character
Future development will maintain and further enhance the current character of Hembrug, for example by creating a mix of larger and smaller typologies with varied roof shapes and by reinforcing the forest in the northern part. At the same time, the public space is carefully designed, taking into account the current atmosphere and the use of the site.
Mobility
New regional connections with Zaanstad and the development of high-quality, well-connected public spaces for walking and cycling in Hembrug are anchored in the development plan. Furthermore, parking is housed as much as possible on the edges of the area around mobility hubs, in order to preserve the qualities of the public space.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important theme in the urban development plan. Important design principles with regard to sustainability areas: the ‘tree-friendly’ positioning of new buildings, the design of green squares, limiting car traffic, strengthening the green structure, creating natural banks and water storage.
The Hembrug area development is being tackled integrally. The various plans are being worked on side by side on the basis of intensive participation.
Hembrug northern and southern part
Hembrug is being developed in several phases, starting with the northern part of the site. The northern part is approximately 26 hectares, including the Hembrugbos of approximately 15 hectares. The main characteristic of this area is the dense forest, the associated qualities should therefore be preserved and further developed. The urban plan carefully proposes the development of high-rise residential buildings in order to achieve the housing objective and provide more open (public) space. Approx. There will be 93,000 m2 of homes, of which 8,250 m2 is a utility function. Most of the non-residential program will be developed in this area. BURA is currently working on the Urban Development Plan for the southern part; it is expected to be completed in early 2023.
