Information

WEST// Erasmusplein Vlaardingen

WEST// is a new mixed living and care ensemble that gives the Westwijk a strong social anchor at Erasmusplein. Developed by Timpaan together with VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism and a committed team of partners, the project combines 70 owner occupied apartments, 42 care rental apartments and a 2000 square metre Child Services Centre for care provider Ipse de Bruggen in one coherent whole. Here, starters, seniors and people with a need for support live side by side and strengthen each other.

A neighbourhood heart for living and care

WEST// is more than a single building. It is a compact city block that interweaves homes, care and community life. The Child Services Centre of Ipse de Bruggen forms the active heart of the ensemble. Children, parents, carers and visitors move through the building and the surrounding public spaces throughout the day, creating a natural rhythm of meeting and activity.

At the same time, the architecture offers calm and privacy where needed. The residential volumes are carefully arranged around green outdoor spaces, so residents always have a quiet place to retreat while staying connected to the life of the neighbourhood.

Green plinth as social living room

The building rests on a green plinth that opens up generously to the surroundings. A coffee bar and an accessible courtyard garden invite both residents and neighbours to use the ground floor as a shared living room. Planting, places to sit and clear sightlines make it easy to meet informally, from a short chat on the way to the shop to organised activities with local partners.

Daylight, views of greenery and the use of natural materials shape a healthy and calming living environment. WEST// is designed as a place where people can age in place, where care is close by and where everyday encounters help build a resilient community.

Circular and climate conscious by design

Sustainability runs through the entire concept of WEST//. Facades and internal walls are designed to be demountable and reusable, which keeps the building flexible over time and reduces material use. Roofs collect rainwater and provide space for biodiversity, so the building contributes to a more climate resilient Westwijk. All materials are selected for low environmental impact and a healthy indoor climate.

Integral sustainability manager Volantis monitors the circular ambitions and ensures that they translate into measurable results, from material passports to performance in use. In this way, WEST// becomes a robust, adaptable framework for future generations of residents and users.

Strong coalition for Westwijk

WEST// brings together a team with deep experience in housing, care and landscape. Timpaan leads the development. VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism is responsible for the architectural and urban design with a focus on the human scale. LOLA Landscape Architects connects park, streets and building into a continuous green structure. ICS Zorg contributes expertise on care environments and the Child Services Centre programme. Volantis oversees sustainability and circularity, Vink Bouw is technical partner for realisation, and area manager Carlijn Bergshoeff maintains close ties with residents and local organisations.

Together, they shape a project that is rooted in the existing efforts of Timpaan and Ipse de Bruggen in the Westwijk and that helps the district move forward socially, spatially and ecologically.