The transformation of a bank building into housing at an almost sacred place. In one of the Netherland’s last processional parks, we are building a stepped apartment complex. The building shows great respect for the existing religious place. The St Willebrord church and park form the origin of existence of the village St Willebrord, and should remain visible from all places in the village.

The park meanders through and around the building. First the plot was not a part of the park, now the park already starts in the core of the building. From the street a public route to the park leads through the courtyard inside. All residences have access over a lazy outdoor staircase through the communal courtyard garden into the park. To avoid confusion in privacy, the garden is elevated. This also avoids high construction costs of a parking garage by parking the cars under the garden. This solution takes all cars off the street and out of sight to allow for more park.

Although the permit allowed for more, Apto designed a modest structural layout of three layers with a set back on the top to give a significant area back to the park. The stepped terrace silhouette of the building follows the existing tree line. The at first closed block is separated into free standing volumes to further reduce the scale and allow access to the park. In comparison with the previous development plan of 23 dwellings, Apto managed to build 34 apartments whilst also adding more green area to the park.

Units on the first floor measure a spacious 110m2 in order to accommodate growing families, whilst the floors above are more suitable to young working professionals at 70m2. All units are connected to both the village side and courtyard – park side.