Blauwhoed developed the project Wonen in Helsdingen in Vianen. A varied quality project with starter, single-family, manor, L-shaped, semi- and detached houses and bungalows. The residences match in terms of architecture, but are all slightly different. We used various dormers, like a gable, hipped or spout gable turned roof. The facades are different and made of various coloured bricks. Back then, the project came to a standstill. Blauwhoed was called in to revitalize the project and managed to successfully complete it in co-creation with neighbouring residents and partners.

Before Blauwhoed started developing the project, it had come to a complete standstill, partially because the neighbouring residents raised objections. Blauwhoed was called in by the Watertorenberaad to use their co-creation expertise to take over development. Blauwhoed then presented its plan approach to the alderman. Together with the municipality and in co-creation with the neighbouring residents, we further developed the plan. To finally complete Wonen in Helsdingen, a sustainable quality project with smart applications. A popular project among both neighbouring residents and buyers. 

In addition to a survey among interested parties, Blauwhoed and the municipality of Vianen organized three co-creation sessions in 2015. The plans were presented as possible scenarios instead of blueprints. Via co-design and co-decision methods, all participants were able to share and discuss their thoughts and ideas about how they envisioned Helsdingen. Topics like urban planning, architecture, types of residences, floor plans, sustainability and smart solutions were discussed. Thanks to the contribution of all parties, Helsdingen perfectly fits into the present time and meets the requirements of all parties involved.

Helsdingen consists of a number of extraordinary living concepts, such as bungalows and Haaks Wonen. At the request of the interested parties, we incorporated 14 instead of 6 bungalows in our plan. In small towns, people often prefer extra space. That is why we included the ‘Haakse’ residence in our plan, which has a tilted L-shaped lay-out, offering residents the advantages of a semi-detached house within the space of a terraced house. The residence is easily adaptable in the future and is flexible in terms of lay-out and use.

When designing the residences in Helsdingen, much attention was paid to keeping energy consumption as low as possible. At the time, these semi-detached houses were the first energy-neutral residences in the municipality of Vianen. The bungalows and so-called ‘Haakse’ single-family homes are energy-neutral (EPC0). All other residences have an EPC of no more than 0.4 (the directive for energy-neutral residences). Thanks to excellent isolation and (preparation for) solar panels and other innovative techniques and materials, energy consumption is much lower than in other residences.

Residents of Helsdingen have a number of smart solutions that will make their lives just that bit easier. For example, each residence in Helsdingen is standardly equipped with a smart doorbell. You can see on your phone who is at the door via the camera in the bell. In addition, the bungalows have another something extra: keyless entry. No hassle with keys. Just press the button to open the door.