BARBIZON is a green living concept built from stackable CLT modules

envisioned by multidisciplinary studio AEMSEN, BARBIZON is a modular residential complex that proposes a new urban living concept for barbizonlaan in capelle aan den ijssel, the netherlands. based of the principle of creating future-proof, sustainable and affordable housing, the project focuses on the use of a prefabricated timber structure that can be stacked to establish social interaction and a balance between the city and green spaces.

south east façade of BARBIZON

all images courtesy of AEMSEN

BARBIZON has been designed as part of the redevelopment of the sites on the barbizonlaan, however, AEMSEN also proposes that the concept could be adapted to other locations and briefs. this specific scheme contains 112 apartments in 16 different housing types, varying in size from 45 m2 to 120 m2. the factory-built CLT modules are stackable and switchable without additional auxiliary construction. this dry construction method with biobased materials and gas-free apartments provides an attractive ecological residential complex.

east façade

in addition to greenery and biodiversity, the social interaction between the residents also plays a central role in this concept. the shared green outdoor spaces in the form of a green valley are accessible to all residents of the complex via the corridors. jasper jägers of AEMSEN says, ‘by modular design and building with prefabricated CLT modules, the balance between city and nature can be brought back. energy-neutral, modular and circular construction with wood really has the future. it is lighter than traditional construction, it has good insulating properties and it provides much less nitrogen emissions. it makes sustainability and circularity accessible to everyone.’

BARBIZON’s valley

the modular construction system provides CO2 neutral construction and a more efficient and faster construction method than current standards. much less building material is needed and construction is less polluting, and because all kinds of housing typologies can be made with this building system, it is suitable for many target groups. it makes sustainable and circular buildings accessible to everyone.

BARBIZON’s valley

the project consists of prefabricated cross-glued wooden (CLT) residential modules. the modules are easily adaptable and reusable. crossed laminated timber is fireproof and the indoor climate in the homes is comfortable and healthy. building with CLT is lighter than traditional building, it has good insulating properties and it produces much less nitrogen emissions. it is an ecological, environmentally friendly and sustainable way of building.

by modular design and building with prefabricated CLT modules, the balance between city and nature can be brought back. the symbiosis with nature is further enhanced by integrating greenery and biodiversity into the modular system of façades and roofs. the green valley and the greenhouses at the top of the corridors provide space for social interaction between future residents of the complex.

west façade

project info:

project name: BARBIZON

project type: residential

location: capelle aan den ijssel, the netherlands

size: 129,166.93 ft2 (12,000 m2)

architecture firm: AEMSEN

design team: iara artusi, anastasia chatzakou, martina la corte, jasper jägers en judith jägers

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom