«Thematic» Houses in Hyde Park: Unity of Image and Color

The French firm Manuelle Gautrand Architecture designed nine residential buildings for the Hyde Park district in Hoofddorp (urban agglomeration of Amsterdam), which master plan was produced by MVRDV. The 400 homes are divided into nine buildings that make up “thematic” houses, and are organized around a landscaped island core. Each house is the object of a different architectural work, in its colors, its materials, its heights, its volumes, etc. Overall cohesion has been maintained under this apparent diversity, in order to create a harmonious “village” favoring well-being together. 

The project, created under the leadership of Manuelle Gautrand, the principal architect and director of the company, develops ambitious goals in environmental terms and integration of new uses. 

House 1 / Big Bites: The main volume is composed of white bricks. Glazed bricks make up the circulation spaces. This alternation between the white color and the iridescent effect of the glass bricks allow to highlight and value the composition of the apartments, including duplex housing. 

House 2 / Stripes and Playful House: The main volume is covered with large metal and colored panels. The circulation spaces are composed in white brick. This facade treatment creates a joyous architecture, in a panel of tones that echo the other buildings of the “village”.

Materials provided by Manuelle Gautrand Architecture

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