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http://www.arch.umanitoba.ca/vanvliet/sustainable/cases/ecolonia/ecoindx.htm

Lucien Kroll (Atelier dUrbanisme, dArchitecture et dInformatique)

Este arquitecto belga siempre ha mantenido en sus actuaciones la idea de que la
tarea del arquitecto no es la imposicin de un diseo original por encima de todo,
sino mantener la complejidad de la ciudad y de la arquitectura, entendidas no como
objetos intocables, sino como procesos que evolucionan a lo largo del tiempo
debido a la intervencin de sus habitantes. Una ciudad, un barrio, un edificio, no
pueden ser elementos cerrados y rgidos, repetidos y homogneos, vlidos en s
mismos por sus cualidades estticas o representativas, sino que deben responder a
las necesidades de sus usuarios, y permitir mltiples modos de habitar y de
relacionarse con el medio.
Kroll plantea el diseo como una actividad compartida con el usuario, y gracias al
uso de herramientas informticas ha podido introducir en el proceso de diseo la
flexibilidad necesaria para individualizar los espacios, optando a la vez por una
construccin adecuada a la inclusin de elementos variables (en la lnea de la teora
de soportes de Habraken). Entre sus proyectos ms recientes se encuentra el plan
urbano de Ecolonia, en los Pases Bajos (1990-92), las 100 viviendas del Quartier
des Brichres en Auxerre (2003), o los 160 apartamentos a lo largo de la autopista
en Goirle, De Boschkens (2003).
Textos de inters:

Kroll, L; 1999 Modernidad / contemporaneidad, en Va Arquitectura 04.

COACV.
Verdaguer, C; 1998 Entrevista a Lucien Kroll en Boletn CF+S 9.
Kroll. L; 1996 Ecologies: Bio, Psycho, Socio, Eco, Ecologies Urbaines. Ed.
L'Harmattan, Paris.

Ecolonia
Ecociudad en los Pases Bajos, diseada por Lucien Kroll, se ordena alrededor de un
lago con edificios de diferentes tipologas que crean pequeas plazas y calles
peatonales. Los edificios de viviendas bioclimticas han sido construidos por
diferentes arquitectos. Se prioriza el ahorro de energa y el cierre de los ciclos de
materia. Se logra un ahorro energtico del 25% mediante diferentes medidas
pasivas (orientacin, forma, inercia trmica de masas de material) y activas
(paneles y calderas solares). Depuracin de aguas con especies vegetales, recogida
de pluviales para riego y cisternas.
El plan de concepto para Ecolonia fue desarrollado por Lucien Kroll, conocido por su
propugnacin de una forma de desarrollo urbana que promueve una relacin entre
residentes y su ambiente. Sus ideas estn basadas en los principios de extensin
natural donde una comunidad va a acomodarse de acuerdo a las necesidades de los
residentes y es de una escala humana.
La planificacin y el equipo de diseo fueron encabezados al principio por Kroll, un
arquitecto belga, comisionado para producir el plan de sitio. l ms tarde se retir
del proceso de puesta en prctica debido a retrasos y coacciones que provienen de
barreras tcnicas y reguladoras en la administracin municipal.

Informacin Clave:
Locacin:

Alphen aan den Rijn, Pases Bajos (Distrito de Kerk en Zanen )

Cliente:

Building Fund of the Dutch Municipalities (Edificio de Fondo de los

Municipios holandeses)

Asociacin:

The Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment Built: 199193 (Agencia de Pases Bajos para Energa y el Ambiente Construido)

1, 2 y 3 piso adosado y casas de terraza. Alojamiento de Unidades: 101 parte de

viviendas de un desarrollo de 280 unidades por 9 arquitectos diferentes.
Plan Urbano: Lucien Kroll, Brussels

Inicios del Proyecto

Iniciado en 1991, Ecolonia era una empresa conjunta entre Novem (Asociacin)y
Bouwfonds (Cliente), con el apoyo de Pases Bajos el Ministerio del urbanismo, la
Planificacin Espacial y el Ambiente, y el Ministerio de Asuntos Econmicos.
Ecolonia era la parte de un plan de extensin en la ciudad de Alphen aan der Rijn,
localizado entre las ciudades de Amsterdam, La Haya, Rotterdam y Utrecht, en que
saben(conocen) como Netherland ' el corazn verde '.
El proyecto consiste en 101 adosado y casas de terraza dentro de un desarrollo de
280 unidades dentro de una extensin urbana de Kerk en Zanen la enumeracin de
6000 viviendas, sur de Alphen. Otras unidades fueron construidas segn prcticas
de edificio normales.
Los objetivos del proyecto son demostrar y avanzar prcticas de edificio sostenibles,
tecnologas de ahorro de energa y prcticas de vida ms sostenibles.

El Plan Nacional Ambiental (NMP), fue introducido en 1989 por el gobierno holands
y brind su apoyo, sirviendo como una de las influencias primarias en el desarrollo
de Ecolonia. El Plan, apuntado (a la casa) que construye la industria, identific tres
temas principales donde pasos significativos tuvieron que ser hechos hacia una
mejora sostenible y cualitativa para los ciudadanos de Pases Bajos hacia el ao
2000.
Los tres temas eran la Conservacin de energa, la Direccin de Ciclo de vida y la
Mejora de Calidad. Los temas y su remoto detallar proporcionaron consideradas
programaciones para los arquitectos complicados en el desarrollo de Ecolonia, y
remitirse ms tarde cuando el individuo que construye esquemas es descrito.
Ecologa del Edificio:
Se basaba en los tres temas propuestos por el Plan Nacional Ambiental:

The themes were sub-divided each becoming the focus for one of the schemes.
Dwelling designs were assessed by experts considering the technical aspects of
building construction and performance, indoor environment and materials used. The
diversity of housing typologies implemented, demonstrate effective energy saving
techniques, ranging from solar boilers to maximizing heat storage through choices
of appropriate natural materials for both construction and thermal mass storage.
Building construction varies between the nine schemes. Most use conventional brick
and block walls, some wood frame. A post occupancy assessment programme was
completed in 1993.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

1. Architect: Bakker Boots Van Haaren Van der Donk architectenbureau bv, Schagen
Oriented north-east or south-west,

the 18 dwellings are constructed from calcium

silicate, 130 mm thermal skin and 15mm of plaster. With a focus on heat energy
retention, an integrated energy recycling system functions as both a traditional furnace
producing heated air and hot water as well as a heat recovery unit. The dwellings with
south facing roof have solar hot water panels.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

Design Features

high thermal insulation (walls and roof Rc=4.0m2 K/W, floors Rc> 3 m2K/W
window system with a high thermal resistance U 1.4 W/m2K. Double-glazing

with external shading (roller-blinds)

thermal insulation between dwellings
compact building style

enclosed kitchen, enclosed porch reduce quantity of ventilation air

heat recovery system

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

2. Architect: Architectenburo - J.P. Moerhlein, Groningen
Utilization of passive and active solar energy: Ten frame construction dwellings in
five pairs, with a north-south orientation, each with a solar water heater and southfacing conservatory as passive energy trap and buffer zone. First floor has three
bedrooms and bath. Attic contains the water heater, central heat installation and heat
recovery unit.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

Design Features:

walls, roof and floor R>3. m2K/W,

living area with large single glazed conservatory facing south off living room
small windows facing north (glazing U=1.6W/m2K)
solar panels for water heating
north-south orientation (entrance

hall, toilet, staircase, kitchen, pantry)

measures to prevent overheating, (sun protection and ventilation)
enclosed kitchen, and stair to attic reduces quantity of ventilation air

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

3. Architect: Architectenbureau Hopman bv, Delft
Eleven dwellings in a U shape surrounding a courtyard, however reducing solar
exposure in winter due to shading. Solar collectors on the roof supply energy, and heat
water to be circulated as radiant heat, or stored.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Energy Conservation:

Design Features:

split-level open floor plan for daylight penetration and passive solar energy
low temperature heating system and heat recovery ventilation in central core low embodied energy in materials selection
limitation of heat needed for space heating
solar heater for domestic hot water, (enlarged in some units for combined
underfloor heating and domestic hot water)
zone control for limitation of heat demand
cool cellar storage cupboard on lower level

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Dwelling design considers the natural cycle

4. Architect: BEAR Architecten, Architectural and Renovation Consultants, Gouda
Four terraced retirement homes and six semi-detached dwellings. Oriented north-south
with living areas to south. Timber frame construction. Enclosed front porch, entrance
hall and kitchen facing north. Living room faces garden and can be fitted with
conservatory.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Dwelling design considers the natural cycle:

Design Features:
uses raw materials from the carbon cycle: wood cellulose, natural paint, resins
and cement for later recycling
recycled materials include rubble and concrete granulate in the ground floor
o plaster board derived from flue gas de-sulphurisation
reduction of water consumption
o rain-water used for toilet flushing, gardens, car washing
o

water-saving showers, taps, and toilet

food cycle - in composting kitchen waste and local garden

use of solar energy for passive heating and hot water heating

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Organic Design, Durability and Maintenance:

5. Architect: Architectenbureau Alberts & Van Huut, Amsterdam
The twelve dwellings, are inspired by organic architecture principles which emphasize
humans in harmony with nature. The ground floor consists of entry hall, living room
and kitchen. First floor has three bedrooms and bathroom. Heavy materials are used; the
shell is lime-sandstone with outer skin of brick. The sloping roof and eave vary in
height creating an irregular and pleasing roof line.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Organic Design, Durability and Maintenance:

Other features include:

durable materials and components selected from assessment criteria matrix

materials which require little maintenance
windows and frames made of local softwood, with hardwood lintels and sills
easily replaceable materials and reusable components

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Variations on flexible basic design Flexible building and

living
6. Architect: Lindeman c.s., Architects and Engineers and Cuyk, Energy Management
Consultants
Ten dwellings at two locations, four terraced and two blocks of three. Service layout on
ground floor makes possible a variety kitchen locations. Possibilities for altering living
function. Flexible and modifiable heating/ ventilation in roof frees up floor layout. Light
construction divider walls are used. Five dwelling variations demonstrate the flexibility
of this design:

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Variations on flexible basic design Flexible building and

living:
basic

four rooms with entry hall, dining/kitchen and store room on garden side. Upper
storey with three bedrooms and bathroom plus large multi-functional landing

privacy dwelling
living room has front and rear room with kitchen between. First floor has two
sleeping/living areas
BUILDING ECOLOGY: Variations on flexible basic design Flexible building and
living:
retirement dwelling

all living areas on ground floor; living room can be either on side facing street or
on garden side; first floor can contain separate apartment.

combined live/work
a work area on ground floor facing street and large living room/kitchen facing
garden. First floor has a living room, with adjoining bedroom and bath.
double apartment
both floors have 68m2 living area. A separate upper floor entrance can be
provided.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement:

8. Architect: Peter van Gerwen - Energy Design, Architecture and Urban Development
Consultants, Amersfoort
Safe healthy living, an urban dwelling with architectural accent. The twelve unit scheme
consists of eight terrace dwellings and four semi-detached dwellings, all with a northsouth orientation. The terrace units are on a short street terminating at the lake. The tall
north wall is massive and ends with a corner tower. Lighter materials are used for the
south facing walls. All but the corner unit have entry, living room and store room on the
ground floor with the first floor containing three bedrooms, bathroom and storage area.
BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement:
The theme of health and safety is evidenced by the following:
The use of solar collectors and sun blinds for improved solar control. The central
vacuum system has separate ventilation and cleanable insulation ducts. The heated
flooring provide a comfortable, healthy and clean air environment.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement:

Other features include:

limitation of chemical pollution of indoor air

cleanable ventilation systems

controlled supply and extraction of ventilation air, with extra filtration
ease of cleaning of the dwelling
limitation of pollution by building materials

avoidance of cold bridges and occurrence of mould

enclosed kitchen can be easily vented
in floor heating floor
shielded electrical cables to reduce electromagnetic fields

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement: Bio-Ecological Building

9. Architectenbureau Archi Service, 's-Hertogenbosch

The eight dwellings (six terrace houses forming a corner and two semi-detached)
combine the use of natural materials with new type of heating system. The living rooms
face gardens to the south and east with potential for the addition of conservatories. The
entry and kitchen face the street. There are three bedrooms and bath on the first floor.
The higher corner dwelling can house an office or shop with dedicated use of the
garage, its living area then is on the first floor and bedrooms on the second.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement: Bio-Ecological Building

The building envelope is lime-sandstone and brick. The interior 'heat wall' construction
consists of lime-sandstone modules with embedded hot water pipes forming a thermal
storage. Ground floors are of ceramic cast stone. Upper floors are either wood with cork
sheeting or hollow ceramic brick elements all covered with natural anhydrite.
The vegetative roof design (peat substrate and grass sod on EPDM rubber over an
insulated structure ) reduces heat loss and absorbs rain, reducing runoff from storm
events. A solar collector is mounted in the roof connected to a 200 liter boiler for
domestic hot water.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement: Bio-Ecological Building

Based on bio-ecological principles, this design focuses on electrical, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields, forms of radiation and their influences on the indoor
environment and the psychological consequences for the occupants. This scheme shows
the most integrated approach to energy and material management, water and air quality.

BUILDING ECOLOGY: Quality Improvement: Bio-Ecological Building

Summary features include:

natural building materials

reduction of environmental pollution
maintenance or improvement of biodiversity

integration of the building with the landscape

aspects related to human physiology and psychology - color and the living
experience in dwelling and town
interior environmental factors considered- sound, light, temperature, heat,
humidity and ventilation

LAND USE / LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY:

Prior to construction, the site was a polder (reclaimed area of moorland), with a
waterway running along one side of the site. The dwellings are clustered around the
central pond, necessary for maintaining the subsoil conditions (high ground water level)
and as a wetland habitat. The pond retains the surface runoff from the community and
a variety of aquatic vegetation filter stormwater pollutants.

In addition to the main greenspace around the pond area there are smaller open spaces
between groups of buildings and along circulation corridors. The site design
incorporates a number of local squares providing identity and opportunities for social
interaction.

While the residents had the opportunity to design together some of the civic areas the
response has been rather limited with the installation of children's play equipment.
Flower beds have been planted in front of individual units. Deciduous trees are being
planted in front of the dwellings to provide shade in summer and not reduce solar access
in winter.

COMMUNITY DESIGN:
The concept plan for Ecolonia was developed by Lucien Kroll, well known for his
advocacy of an urban development form that fosters a relationship between residents
and their environment. His ideas are based on principles of natural expansion where a
community will accomodate the needs of the residents and is of a human scale.
The planning and design team was headed initially by Kroll, a Belgian architect,
commissioned by the Bouwfonds Woningbouw to produce the site plan. He later
withdrew from the implementation process due to delays and constraints arising from
technical and regulatory barriers in the municipal administration.

The site plan groups various buildings along narrow short streets and forming small
squares. Kroll feels that local squares have an important social function. The
juxtaposition of different types of buildings is intended to add to the visual variety and
encourage contact between neighbours. (p. 66) The concept was to allow architects
freedom in the design of the living environment. (There was no participation by
residents in the design.)

The majority of dwellings are situated around or in proximity to a the central pond.
Water is often a necessary part of community plan and has come to have a particular
cultural significance for the Dutch. The pond is a focal point for the community. For a
period of years an information centre was located centrally with a commanding view of
the lake. There were proposals that it was to later serve as a common house but has
since been moved from the site, leaving the space available for future uses.
The design of the individual living environments were commissioned to nine different
architecture firms. The firms were instructed to use as guidelines the criteria in the three
themes of the National Environmental Policy Plan (NMP). Each scheme was to place
emphasis on one main feature. The resulting housing designs have proven to be both
functional and attractive.

ENERGY
An important planning objective was to showcase a number of techniques that
effectively demonstrate energy conservation strategies. The diversity of housing
typologies demonstrate several effective techniques ranging from solar water heaters to
maximizing heat storage. Ways these were realized in the individual schemes is
indicated elsewhere. The more general conservation strategies include:

Orientation of the building for maximizing solar collection

Insulation is improved through better building envelope design.

Reductions in gas and electricity consumption with the utilization of efficient

appliances.
Controlled ventilation with heat recovery in 61 dwellings, without heat
recovery in 32 dwellings and 8 dwellings are naturally ventilated
Solar collectors for water heating are on approximately 80 dwellings.
Energy-efficient lighting is used both indoors, and outdoors.
Concrete flooring sections with an insulating layer
The use of recycled wood cellulose as insulation for cavity walls and roof
insulation

The implementation of space-heating systems, that have a low environmental

load, and high efficiency

WATER AND SEWAGE:

At the centre of the community site plan is a retention pond. Water is conducted to the
pond through mole drains where it is cleansed by a variety of wetland species, such as
reeds and cattails. These vegetative filters assist in the break down pollutants conveyed
from road surfaces and chemical residues, in some cases leached from lawns and
gardens.

All dwelling units in the area are connected to the municipal tertiary sewage treatment
facility. Other features regarding water include:

Water saving fixtures (toilets, faucets and shower heads).

The use of water flow meters
Rainwater collection in cisterns for use in flushing toilets, watering

gardens and washing automobiles

Concrete pavers rather than bitumen-based surfaces
Vitrified clay drains and sewer pipes (rather than plastic or iron)

grass,

TRANSPORTATION:
Ecolonia is bounded on the west by a slow-traffic route from the city centre to the
educational park Archeon. An objective in designing Ecolonia was to reduce the amount
of car-based transportation. There is a local centre (Winkel centrum) to the north
provides a range of shops within a 10 minute walk to the regional rail station. The
towncentre of Alphen aan den Rijn is about 15 minute walking distance just past the
station.
Ecolonia is an enclave away from any thoroughfare, resulting in low noise levels and
improved safety. Within Ecolonia, cycling and walking are the main modes of
transportation. Vehicular routes are designed for slow speed. The traffic system does
not make clear separation between the different types of traffic. There are no marked
parking bays or separate areas for cyclists and pedestrians. Areas designed for play and
common areas are also often parked on.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

The principle of waste minimization was another design objective. Design decisions
took into account the choices of types and quantities of construction materials and
construction techniques. The process included consideration of the systems intended for
use by the residents in the post-construction phase, and future uses, while minimizing
the amount of waste and its impact on the environment.
An environment station (similar to that illustrated in the Kolding case study) is
allocated for the collection of plastics, textiles, paper and oil. It also includes a bay for
car washing, that drains into a special waste water drain. The descriptions elsewhere of
the individual schemes provide further ways that recycled materials and durable
materials are used. More general examples of recycling and materials selection include:

All structures are built on concrete "ecopiles" that contain 20% concrete rubble
granulate rather than gravel aggregate.
Non-load bearing walls and roof panels are insulated with cellulose (recycled
wood fibre)
The use of PPC piping for internal drains (versus PVC)

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT:
Ecolonia was not targeted for 'green' residents but to demonstrate that environmentally
considerations in housing can be attractive to all. Environmental aspects were found to
be relevant to the home buyers and many residents stated their environmental awareness
has increased since moving to Ecolonia.
The behavior of residents was monitored within a research framework at the Erasmus
University of Rotterdam.
ECONOMIC VIABILITY:
Local employment oportunities included two hairdressers and one doctor. Other home
offices may exist. There is good access to employment in the region.
Subsidies of 6,000,000 Dutch guilders were contributed by the Ministries of Economic
Affairs, Building Construction, Regional Planning and Environmental Protection,
following the objectives of the Environment Policy Plan (NMP).
Modern energy efficient custom designed communities such as Ecolonia may appear to
be more expensive at the outset, when compared to the cost of traditional communities,
but the short term costs are offset by the long term benefits resulting from thoughtful
planning and innovative design. The operating costs of these homes are significantly
lower than those built in the surrounding community following normal practices.

AFTERWORD:
Few involved in the project had much experience in more sustainable building. Like
many ambitious projects, a number of good ideas were quickly rejected to minimize
difficulties early and to not slow down the planning and implementation process. The
many architects and companies involved required considerable co-ordination.
Ecolonia showed that more sustainable housing is possible in the Dutch residential
building sector. The initial step has been taken and those involved have learned a great
deal and indicate they have developed their capacity to go further in future projects.
REFERENCES
Jones, Peter Blundell. "Ecolonia, Community planning, Alphen-aan-den-Rijn, the
Netherlands". Architecture Review, London, March. 1992. London. Nr. 1141
Oldengarm, Hans. 1995. Technology and Performance Aspects of the Ecolonia
Demonstration Project. Delft: TNO-Bouw. in RCan. Innovative Housing
ProceedingsVolume 3 Applications and Demonstrations. Ottawa. p 33-41.