in Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, an entire island development is dedicated to the theme of the cube.
Kubus-Eiland describes the urban planning principle that was used in the conversion of a former port area along the Leidse Rijn area and which is shaping the transformation of this urban development project from a former industrial area to a residential area.
The abstract volume of a cube with a side length of 9m is expressed in the latest residential project by Pasel.Künzel Architects as a concise, massive volume, comprising an all-round orientation as well as sculptural intersections that are enabled by deeply recessed openings in the facade. With one main opening on each side, the object picks up the four cardinal points and creates concrete references to the surrounding neighborhood on the two lower floors. The top floor, on the other hand, is oriented towards the sky above a central incised patio and thus hermetically seals off the private bedrooms located here from the outside world.
Within the framework of exceptional urban planning requirements, the architects were able to create a variety of atmospheres and qualities in the building by creating surprising spatial sequences and visual relationships in the smallest spaces. At the same time outward-looking, communicative spaces were subtly combined with a high degree of privacy.
Architect: pasel.kuenzel architects
Team: Ralf Pasel, Frederik Künzel, Stella Topp
Client: private
Location: Utrecht, NL
Size: 240 m2
Completion: 2020
Photos: Marcel van der Burg, Amsterdam
