Colorful window frames increase living enjoyment of The Unicorn

A solution for every facade

The new social housing neighborhood 'De Eenhoorn' in Amsterdam is a textbook example of high-quality, affordable and compact living in the city. The project, commissioned by housing cooperative Ymere, includes the construction of 330 social rental apartments. In addition to ERA Contour (construction main contractor) and heren 5 architecten, Gealan also made a substantial contribution to the project. Indeed, with the window system S 9000 NL haax, the renowned developer and manufacturer of plastic profiles laid the basis for the window frames used in all the apartments. 

Besides striving to provide every resident with a nice home, the project, realized in phases, is mainly about meeting, living together and living together. The former Eenhoorn site in the Watergraafsmeer district has everything needed for this. The apartments are compact and each building has various spaces that can be shared with fellow residents. Examples include a living room lobby, a roof garden and a communal laundry room. But De Eenhoorn is also leading the way in terms of sustainability. For example, the homes are very energy efficient and the required electricity is generated via solar panels. There is also provision for a collective heat pump. Finally, the public space around the complex is inviting. There is plenty of greenery and the streets are car free. 

Coming Home

Below the design of The Unicorn is the signature of Merijn de Jong on behalf of heren 5 architecten of Amsterdam. 

"The structural design of the complex is based on our own research into the house of the future," he says. "And that goes beyond just applying environmentally friendly building and installation solutions. You also have to have a keen eye for social sustainability and living pleasure. In all that, I think we succeeded brilliantly. Not only is De Eenhoorn sustainably built and equipped with all kinds of state-of-the-art gadgets and techniques, but for the residents it is also a real homecoming every time. Twice, in fact. Once when they step into the magnificent collective entrance and then when they open their front door overlooking the beautiful courtyard garden." 

Optimal living comfort

Aesthetically speaking, the Don Bosco neighborhood has also gained a jewel with De Eenhoorn. This is partly the merit of Transcarbo Kunststof Kozijnen and Gealan. For the homes, Transcarbo Kunststof Kozijnen supplied the S 9000 NL haax, the robust wind and watertight plastic window frame system with the unique 3-seal system. The guarantee for the highest insulation value and high wind and water tightness, says Bas van den Eerenbeemt, system advisor within Gealan Netherlands. 

"With the S 9000 NL available in several variants, we offer a frame solution for every facade, for new construction and renovation. For De Eenhoorn, we supplied the S 9000 NL haax with CLK connection, a variant that our partner Transcarbo Kunststof Kozijnen skilfully processed into the desired window frames. Finished in gold color, the window frame not only increases living comfort thanks to the innovative flexible middle seal, it should really be seen. We lay the foundation for this with the color technique Gealan-acrylcolor^®, our color system that excels in color fastness, appearance and durability. With 64 colors, we can always provide the desired look. Even when bronze or champagne is desired. Because these shades also recently adorned our color range..."