SUPERLOCAL

Initiators HEEMwonen and Gemeente Kerkrade had a common ambition in this circular area development: to reuse the qualities of an area of vacant high-rise flats in Bleijerheide for the construction of new housing and the design of the public space. The materials of two vacant high-rise flats were reused for the construction of approximately 130 new homes and the design of the public area. Most of the residents have now found their homes here. A water cycle has also been realized in the area.

Innovative area development

SUPERLOCAL Super Circular Estate is a unique area development because materials and qualities were reused to build new homes and the public area. This is innovative in the Netherlands and Europe, as evidenced by the €5 million European grant that SUPERLOCAL received.

To experiment with new techniques, a partnership was formed between 12 parties: HEEMwonen, Dusseldorp infra, demolition and environmental technology, Bouwbedrijven Jongen, WML, Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg, Zuyd Hogeschool, VERAS, Municipality of Brunssum, Municipality of Landgraaf, Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg, IBA Parkstad and Municipality of Kerkrade. SUPERLOCAL is a key project of IBA. The collaboration within SUPERLOCAL gave the area a solid boost in terms of economy, space and society. As icing on the cake, SUPERLOCAL won "The Innovation in Politics Awards" in the ecology category in 2020.

UIA homes

The Expo Building was an initial test to investigate the possibility of making homes from materials and building materials released from the demolition of an apartment building. The knowledge gained was then used in three circular homes: Phoenix-3. This tested whether homes could be made from at least 90 percent recycled materials from the SUPERLOCAL project area. Meander, Impuls and the designer duo Schepers-Bosman have since moved into these homes. 

Circular ground-level housing 

The area then saw the construction of 15 circular lifetime homes. The lessons learned in the construction of the Feniks-3 homes were used in the design of these 15 homes. These homes are thus a further development of the Phoenix-3 homes.

The walls and floors of these homes are largely made of the concrete released from the demolition of the Jonkerberg Street apartment building. Partly for this reason, they are circular homes. The construction time is a lot faster than for other housing projects. This is mainly because the concrete walls and floors are completely made in a factory. They are then assembled on the construction site. A way of working that also ensures less nuisance from the construction work for local residents. 

New apartment on Voorterstraat

One of the qualities of the former high-rise apartments were the social structures between residents. In the flat on Voorterstraat, 114 comfortable apartments have been realized. The new residents moved in at the beginning of 2022. On the first floor there is space for residents and local residents to meet. These spaces were created and decorated in consultation with the residents. 

Water cycle

Water in the SUPERLOCAL area is also reused. In the coming years we will gain experience with a closed water cycle. Rainwater is collected and purified into drinking water. Used water is purified locally and there are water-saving measures in the homes. And finally, waste water is put to good use.

Public space

During the period 2020 - 2023, a magnificent park was constructed in phases. This new park is designed to contribute to the social structures within the neighborhood. A wonderful green place with plenty of opportunity to meet.

The SUPERLOCAL site in May 2023