Professor Schoemaker Plantation

A new residential neighbourhood has been built in phases on the old TNO site next to Delft University of Technology. These are two residential neighbourhoods with a total of 600 to 800 houses and a park in between. The ambition was to develop a zero on the meter project.

In the first construction phase, which started in 2016, the ‘Klinkerbuurt’ (Klinker neighbourhood) was realised with the park next to it with water storage and a temporary layout.
The crisis caused a delay in realisation and allowed the now-tightened climate targets to be taken into account in the second phase. The second phase is therefore quite appropriately called ‘Grasbuurt’ (grass neighbourhood) and has a substantially greener character than the clinker neighbourhood.

Schoenmakerplantage is 10 minutes’ cycling distance from the city centre. The cycling and walking routes in the new residential neighbourhood connect to the existing network and a long diagonal sightline provides a view of the tower of the New Church.

Floor plan Professor Schoemaker Plantage, The Netherlands © Landlab

CLIMATE ADAPTATION

As part of climate adaptation, several measures have been taken to buffer rainwater locally. For example, street water in the Klinker neighbourhood is transported via wadis to the watercourse in the park. Rainwater from the roofs of the Klinker neighbourhood is also transported underground to water storage. Multi-trunk trees that do not grow too tall have been planted in the streets to prevent shade on the solar collectors and still provide more greenery.

Bioswale © Diego Rosero

The rainwater from the roads and roofs of the grassy neighbourhood, is drained above ground via bioswales (wadis) to the water in the park. The paving of car parks will be implemented as water-passing paving.

Semi-paved © Diego Rosero

In case of prolonged drought, water is released via the Schie (storage basin) if necessary. Each house was delivered with a rain barrel in the back garden and the new residents were encouraged through participation sessions to create a green water-friendly garden.

GREENERY, WATER, EXPERIENCE AND BIODIVERSITY

The planning area is framed by water and greenery, green banks and indigenous large trees, such as willow, alder and poplar, provide an ecological connection to the surrounding area. Between the Klinker and Gras neighbourhoods, Schoemaker Park is some 420 metres long and varying from 40 to 100 metres wide. It forms the characteristic and leafy heart of the new neighbourhood.

© Diego Rosero

The park has a distinct image due to the combination of a sloping ground level, winding paths, colourful shrub borders and striking trees. The tree species chosen are all indigenous, in keeping with Delft’s landscape environment. A new water feature forms the backbone of the park. The sloping lawns will be sown with flowery grassland and managed with an eye to enhancing local biodiversity. The water connects the northern watercourse and existing natural bank on the Delfttech Park side.
The park concept was developed in cooperation with the municipality of Delft.

© Diego Rosero

Professor Schoemaker Plantage is strongly embedded in Delft’s ecological network. The water connections in combination with natural banks form a green-blue frame around the area. On the south side, the existing natural bank in combination with trees and thickets on the Delftechpark side will be retained. The north zone will not be narrowed. A zone 10m wide will be retained and supplemented where necessary with new trees and shrubs, such as rowan, ash, holly, hazel and hawthorn. Along Schoemaker Street, a new natural bank will be created by the municipality. On the east side, the 5m-wide natural bank will be rebuilt and equipped with new trees.
The natural banks are very suitable habitats for birds, butterflies, fish and amphibians. The wide mixed hedges provide new habitats for insects and birds. The long waterlines are very popular as foraging areas for bats.
A tiny-forest will be created on the island in the water feature.

REDUCING HEAT STRESS

The park at the heart of the project, connected by greenery and trees in the streets, provides cooling on hot days. The houses have high insulation values and relatively small windows to prevent heating. The houses are equipped with a ground-source heat pump that also provides cooling in summer.

NOM houses © Diego Rosero

PROCESS AND STAKEHOLDERS

In the preliminary process, the desired core values and image of the new Professor Schoemaker Plantation were revealed during a number of sessions with a large group of stakeholders, including the municipality, local residents and businesses. By jointly defining the unique core values with potential residents, local residents and stakeholders, enthusiasm, bonding and commitment were created.

Play area © Diego Rosero