Huis aan de Haven
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On the southern edge of Leeuwarden, Huis aan de Haven (House on the Harbor) has been completed. Designed by Powerhouse Company for developer MWPO and built by Reitsma Bouw, it forms a striking landmark in Middelsee, the newest district of the Frisian capital. Surrounded by water and greenery, you'll experience the authentic atmosphere of a Frisian city here. With its modern appearance and strategic location, the apartment complex offers a contemporary interpretation of the region's maritime identity.
A Contemporary Interpretation of a Warehouse
: The materials used seamlessly align with the Middelsee visual quality plan, and specifically with that of Havenstad – the northern part of Middelsee where the harbor occupies a central position. Huis aan de Haven was designed as a 21st-century interpretation of the warehouse. The combination of the brick structure with elegant materials such as powder-coated steel and anodized aluminum creates an urban harbor feel, inspired by a historic port city but executed in a modern form. Large openings, deep recesses, and rhythmic facades make the building legible and connected to its surroundings. It forms a natural starting point for the new urban district and a reference to the location's history.
"By using brick, steel, and aluminum, we have found a balance between robustness and refinement, allowing the building to reflect the location's maritime identity in a contemporary way."
– Stefan Prins, Partner Architect at Powerhouse Company.
Waterfront living embraced by greenery.
Huis aan de Haven consists of 90 homes, from city apartments and duplexes with studios to penthouses with a roof garden. The location offers various opportunities for socializing, such as the café or the communal courtyard.
The outdoor spaces, designed by LAP Landscape & Urban Design, underscore the strong relationship between indoors and outdoors that is central to the design. The communal courtyard above the parking garage creates an oasis of tranquility. Spacious roof terraces at the penthouses form a green, stepped platform towards the building's roof and offer views of the harbor, the city, and the
courtyard.
The rear of the building also features a focus on outdoor space – the ground-floor apartments here feature a characteristic Frisian "overtuin," a garden separated from the houses by a path. This gives residents access to both private and shared outdoor spaces, and the landscaping naturally connects the building with its surroundings.
"Folding glass doors connect the penthouses to their terraces, making outdoor living an
extension of the interior."
– Stefan de Meijer, Technical Project Manager at Powerhouse Company