ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Mercado features a monumental plinth with 41 sustainable apartments above it , built by Plegt-Vos .
and form can be discerned add a touch of artistry that refers to the richness of Groningen ’ s historical buildings and the optimistic rawness of post-war architecture . The reconstruction architecture on Grote Markt is characterized by glass , precast concrete and natural stone , while the orphanage stands out with its ornaments and stucco facades in pastel shades . Mercado , with its beige clay and semi-transparent glaze , blends in well with both the pastel Weeshuis and the post-war block ’ s stone-like materials .
Mercado with a unique colour scheme to match the building . Both the rooftop terraces and facade gardens are watered by a computerised system and regularly maintained by a gardener .
Successful Transformation In five years , Rode Weeshuisstraat has transformed from a dark side street into a unique meeting place . Frank Loer ( Loer Architecten ) and Henk Stadens ( De Zwarte Hond ) state : “ The urban plan gives the city centre ’ s north side the sophistication it deserves . Mercado and the redesigned Rode Weeshuisstraat give the city centre a boost . The monumental plinth , greenery and ceramic facade add an exceptional quality to the centre of Groningen .”
www . dezwartehond . nl
Flexible , sustainable , and nature-inclusive The ground floor has been future-proofed by placing stairs and elevators to the side of the building . This creates an open , monumental space that can be flexibly configured for public events . Beneath the building there are wells for a thermal energy system ( TES ). In combination with heat pumps , the entire building is natural gas-free .
The vertical garden along the facade provides the building with 3.800 plants and contributes to biodiversity . On the south facade , climbing plants cover the balconies like green privacy screens . The building ’ s stepped volume provides space for roof terraces where colourful plants and trees are part of the design . Special planters were designed for
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