Models homes: Eco-estate EVA-Lanxmeer

The buildings on the EVA-Lanxmeer eco-estate have been specifically designed with sustainability in mind. This sometimes results in building that are generally recognizable as eco-houses. Much more interesting are the examples of architecture that show how sustainability doesn't have to result in buildings that differ greatly in appearance from "traditional" houses. The emphasis on natural processes and improving the habitat for as many wild species as possible has resulted in very small scale urban landscape with many different elements. The whole however does not look very natural, but extremely managed and more often than not very gardenlike. This goes to show that wild animals don't care much about what the greenery looks like, but rather that it is suitable for them to thrive. 

There is something of an eco-vocabulary among architects of sustainable buildings. The architects employed in EVA-Lanxmeer are all members of a group committed to sustainable architecture. The architectural expression is  similar in all these buildings. Here examples of long sloping roofs with either solar panels (on the left) or a sloping glass facade that reduces the need for additional heating (but leads to the growth of mould and algae if not properly ventilated and regularly cleaned as was evident in some houses).

One of the much publicized "greenhouses" within EVA-Lanxmeer. The houses are designed like a classic greenhouse as a play on the traditional eco-housing vocabulary with sloping glass facades on the south side of the building.

On the left another example of fairly typical eco-architecture very often seen in Germany and Scandinavia; a building clad in wood with balconies and trellis awning. Luckily there are also examples of other styles of architecture. On the right a sustainable building designed in reference to modernist (cubist) architecture. Such examples are important to show sustainable living can take any architectural form.

Another example of eco-architecture this time in a brick and wood cladding combination. These short rows of terraced houses are grouped around a communal garden in so-called woonhoven (literally: living courts).

I had expected more architecture based on the Anthroposophical ideas of Rudolf Steiner. This self-built freestanding family house come daycare centre (right) stands near one of the large ponds. I'm no fan of the gloomy colour of the reclaimed bricks, but overall the building is pleasing especially considering is has been completely constructed by reusing building materials. On the left an example of a thatched villa with a strong Anthroposophical influence. Approached as a variation on the commonly seen thatched farmstead it has been well executed.

A view across one of the infiltration ponds towards the water tower. The apple orchard has been maintained within the urban fabric of this eco-neighbourhood. It stands over the drinking water well.

Tucked away around the edges of the housing estate helophyte filters have been constructed that clear the household waste water before it is transported towards the large ponds. Much of the technique is invisible. The helophyte filters present themselves as attractive meadows rich in flowers. The eco-estate not only consists of family housing but apartment blocks are also part of the building program. On the right an example that marries clean lines with the details of  eco-architecture.