Vision and design for Haagstreek, Leidschendam

How pavers can work in a design for a care environment

The (long-term) care that is provided in the Haagstreek health facility focuses on patients’ mental health. But the various services provided here all have their own specific spatial needs. Vollmer & Partners’ vision was aimed at achieving a tranquil “healing environment” and optimum coordination between the specific care provided in this facility and the surroundings. The plan provides for a qualitative outdoor space that is superbly tailored to the architecture of the new care buildings in terms of composition, and the colours and materials used.

The plan starts from the complete integration of the site within its landscape and urban surroundings, while preserving its special character and specific qualities. The lush green surroundings of the area have been used as a starting point for the new development.

Haagstreek had to become a comfortable place with an emphasis on involvement. The creation of a personal, recognisable environment was one of the most important aspects of the design of the outdoor space. The careful and uniform design takes into account the specific requirements of the various target groups. This is reflected in the choices that were made in terms of material, design and design elements. Fired clay pavers are a key theme in this design. As a result the site has a special and quality appearance, combining with the preservation of the green areas and the careful coordination of colours within the architecture.

Around the facility for the long-term care for the elderly, the ambience has been retained within its own central meeting space. The care facility is spread over six buildings around a large green square, which serves as a central meeting point and a haven of tranquillity. The buildings are specifically oriented toward this space, with recognisable “doormats” made of hard-fired clay pavers produced in Belgium. These areas of pavers connect the entrances from the access road, which was made of asphalt with fluted gutters of fired pavers. The strips around the green areas have been laid using the same clay pavers. The backs of the buildings are encompassed within a dense green structure of shrubs and trees.

By contrast, the new Regional Health Centre is more open in character and the design favours interaction with the surroundings. The area in front of the entrance has an open and accessible design facilitating orientation and allowing visitors an easy and pleasant access to the building. The area is encircled by a planted landscape belt, which runs along the main access road and provides a green framework for the buildings. Traffic moves around this border - which also incorporates most of the parking spaces. The roads for vehicle traffic are made of asphalt with fluted gutters of clay pavers enclosed by concrete ties. These pavers were also used for the pavement areas.

On the west side of the long-term care facility, the design incorporates a green area with a sports field, some gardens, and a potential future location for a greenhouse. This green space serves as the rear garden of the long-term care facility. The watercourse on the west side has been widened and redirected to become a wide, meandering canal. Thanks to the canal’s natural banks the environmental value has increased. The retaining of solitary trees on the green, along the banks and in the green borders, the site has maintained its mature appearance.

The outcome is a lovely and valuable environment that responds to the patients specific care needs.

Comparable case studies

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