Leo VromanToren
The Leo Vromantoren is the first of a series of new buildings in Gouda East. A new phase has started for the neighbourhood, with the goal to provide a new look and a Vision to this side of the city. The Public Administration developed a plan of urban renewal to make Gouda East a destination where you like to come, be seen, like to live and / or want to do business. The Leo Vromantoren therefore had to radiate ambition and have its own identity. The tower will shape the new entrance to the district.
The tower has a 2-layer plinth with, among other things, the main entrance and storerooms and has a further 9 floors with 4 dwellings each. The access nucleus lies at the heart of the floor plan so that an all-round building with a circular living program can be realized. The tower therefore has no front or rear sides. The spacious outdoor spaces lie within the contours of the residential tower, at the four corners for favourable sunlight and for an unobstructed view to the Hollandse IJssel of Gouda with its historic city centre.
In the richly detailed façade, use was made of Janinhoff facing brick and architectural concrete. Because the tower is on the border between nature and city, a light colour palette has been chosen, which ensures that the tower enchants with the surroundings, both by day, by night and by season.
Leo Vroman is an icon from Gouda, an honorary citizen and his work as inspiration for the building. He was known as a poet, but was also an artist and biologist. Drawings by Leo Vroman have been taken as the starting point for the decoration of the closed plinth and the glass fences along the balconies. His drawings are inspired by nature, which is appropriate for the tower that stands on the border between nature and the city. The tower bears his name as an ode to Leo Vroman.
By choosing an icon like him as a source of inspiration and giving the residential complex a clearly recognizable image, the building creates added value for the neighbourhood. A special leap forward.