Discover Benelux | Top Architects in the Netherlands | Creating Quality of Life
Caring through architecture TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: KLOET FOTOGRAFIE
Architectenbureau Anna Zinkweg is an architectural firm carrying over 20 years’ experience in the various sectors of healthcare, housing, childcare and schools. Specialising in large-scale healthcare projects such as assistedliving facilities and care homes, Emmaus is Anna Zinkweg’s latest project, embodying the firm’s values of building for – and with – the local community and environment. Based on two decades of experience, the Wassenaar-based firm Architectenbureau Anna Zinkweg fully utilises its creativity and knowledge for the realisation of highquality design at all levels: urban design, architecture, and interior design. Since its founding in 1997 the firm has maintained a small-scale character and flexible nature, priding itself on executing each one of its projects honouring time, budget, and a relationship of trust with every client. While Anna Zinkweg serves various target groups and sectors, the centre of gravity lies with health care. The firm can build on years of experience in designing and implementing large-scale care projects. Emmaus in Zoeterwoude-Dorp, an 24 | Issue 42 | June 2017
assisted-living facility from care group WIJdezorg, was completed in December 2016. “Emmaus breaks with traditional Dutch homes, that are often either independent living or full-time care residencies,” Anna Zinkweg begins. “Emmaus is not a conventional independent living residency. Its apartments are so-called lifespan resistant, meaning that whatever phase of life the inhabitant is in, their home evolves with them. They can always keep living comfortably and in a trusted environment.” Emmaus consists of 40 apartments for seniors with somatic care needs, 40 small-scale group living residences for seniors with dementia, a physiotherapy centre, offices and facilities such as a restaurant and hairdresser. Realised by construction company Stout BV and under the supervision of Zinkweg’s most senior architect Martijn Snijder, the project was completed within a mere 14 months. Building for – and with – the environment is the core of each project, something quite literally reflected in the use of materials. At Emmaus, insulation material is based on old newspapers, the 160 solar panels on
the roof supply the complex with electricity, and lighting is executed with LED. Yet honouring the environment goes further. “It is essential that a community will recognise itself in the building,” Zinkweg stresses. “A project should be wanted, should evoke enthusiasm.” Something that is certainly the case at Emmaus: the community has welcomed the complex with open arms, while residents feel privileged to call it their home. “I have always had a heart to work for the voice of those whose own is often not heard,” Zinkweg concludes. “It is priceless to contribute to something that creates added value to them, and everyone around them.”
For more information, please visit: www.zinkweg.nl