Trailblazing facade with a historic connection

The planners and designers of the building focused on prefabricated modules for the housing units. Thus, up to 16 apartments could be constructed per day. The units were manufactured from a steel frame construction with a concrete floor, and walls and ceiling in a wooden framework. Each apartment is fitted with a kitchenette and a bathroom unit with shower, WC and basin. In order to ensure a varied facade look, the windows were arranged in various positions.

Utrecht-based architect Jillis Kinkel is responsible for the complete design and therefore also for the facade. For the development of the project, he looked to the location’s industrial past.

Jillis Kinkel: “Around 1930, the Vaartsche Rijn was an important trade route with twelve ceramics factories, including the faience and tile factory Westraven, which existed until 1986. In those days, every Dutch family would have Westraven tiles in their home. For example, old Dutch children’s toys, ships, little sayings, porcelain, panels and skirting tiles. I myself live in a house with original Westraven tiles.”The former factory for ceramic materials inspired the architect to implement a more modern ceramic facade – and also influenced the name of the building. “Keramus” derives from the Greek word “Keramos”, meaning ceramics.

Jillis Kinkel: “Westraven also manufactured relief-style tiles. This inspired me to create a relief-style surface for Keramus.” He chose two forms of glazed ceramic panel by Argeton with a wrinkled profile. Because the material was able to be laid in two directions on an aluminium substructure, four different profile views were possible with the two forms. The highlight: the form and look of the Argeton elements were developed specifically for Keramus. “This was new for my architecture office – and the result is really very beautiful.”

Garantie Gevels was responsible for realising the facade. CEO Gert Roubos is delighted: “We are always on the lookout for the best facade solutions. In this case, Argeton was the best and nicest-looking solution for the building design.”