Beeldkwaliteitplan IJsbaanlocatie Meerstad – Architectural and Landscape Guidelines
The Beeldkwaliteitplan IJsbaanlocatie Meerstad is a regulatory document issued by the Gemeente Groningen (Dienst RO/EZ) in May 2008. It serves as an urban and architectural framework for the development of the IJsbaanlocatie, a specific residential area within the larger Meerstad project situated between Slochteren and the city of Groningen. This development is part of a 25-year plan to realize 10,000 homes, a large lake, and new nature areas. The document functions as a guiding manual for municipal planners, architects, and residents to ensure that new construction integrates with the rural character of the Lageland area.
The scope of the document encompasses regulations for public space, plot layout, and individual building design. It defines specific requirements for ontsluiting (access), beplanting (planting structures), and natuurontwikkeling (nature development) under the management of Staatsbosbeheer. Structurally, the plan is divided into four main chapters: het plan, buitenruimte, kavels, and woning. It establishes concrete spatial limits, including building heights, roof pitches, and material specifications such as Gronings rood (Groningen red) masonry and ceramic roof tiles.
Professional stakeholders and property owners must adhere to these guidelines to maintain the rural aesthetic, which emphasizes wide views and agricultural heritage. The following sections detail the specific spatial and architectural standards mandated for the IJsbaanlocatie site.
Public Space and Landscape Integration
The outdoor space design focuses on maintaining a relationship with the weidse landschap (expansive landscape) and the Slochterdiep. Infrastructure and planting are regulated to preserve rural sightlines.
- Ontsluiting: The area is accessed via a branch of the Hamweg, running along the south side of the Slochterdiep.
- Verharding: Road widths are set at 5 meters for main branches (asphalt) and 3 meters for residential clusters, with half-meter reinforced shoulders for occasional parking.
- Beplanting: Tree belts consisting of ash, elm, birch, and oak must surround building plots to mimic traditional farmyards.
- Vensters op het landschap: To preserve views, gaps in the tree belts are permitted. These 'windows' must be no more than 5 meters wide and separated by at least 5 meters.
Plot Layout and Building Position
Chapter 03 defines the placement of structures on individual plots to ensure a cohesive streetscape. Each lot has a designated bouwvlak (building zone) indicated on the plan map.
- Building Coverage: No more than 25% of the building zone may be occupied, with a maximum footprint of 300 m² for the main building.
- Main Building Orientation: Roof ridges must be parallel or perpendicular to the lot division direction.
- Outbuildings: These must be set back at least 3 meters from the front facade of the main building, except on plots in the western corner where they may be placed in front.
Architectural Standards and Materials
The guidelines for woning (housing) provide specific dimensions for building volumes and approved material palettes to ensure architectural harmony across the clusters.
- Main Volume Height: The maximum building height is 8 meters, with a 10% tolerance.
- Gutter Height: Standard gutter height is a maximum of 3.5 meters, though 5.5 meters is permitted for up to half of the building width.
- Roof Pitch: Roofs must have a slope between 25 and 60 degrees.
- Facade Materials: Permitted materials include Gronings rood bricks and wood in black, white, brown, or natural tones. Along the Slochterdiep, white-painted or 'gekeimde' bricks are also allowed.
- Roof Materials: Only ceramic tiles in dark grey, anthracite, or orange-red tones are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum building height for houses at the IJsbaanlocatie?
The maximum building height for the main volume is 8 meters, with a permissible variation of 10%.
Are there restrictions on the total floor area for the main building?
Yes, buildings may occupy a maximum of 25% of the designated building zone, up to a total maximum of 300 m².
What are the rules for 'windows on the landscape' (vensters op het landschap)?
Gaps in the surrounding tree belts are allowed for views; they can be at most 5 meters wide and must be spaced at least 5 meters apart.
What types of roof tiles are required by the Gemeente Groningen?
The document mandates ceramic roof tiles in either dark grey/anthracite (Oud Hollands blauw) or orange-red tones.
What is the maximum height for outbuildings and sheds?
The maximum building height for an outbuilding is 5.5 meters, with a maximum gutter height of 3 meters.
How high can front yard fences be in this development?
Fences at the front of the lot are limited to a maximum height of 70 cm; alternatively, low hedges or no fencing may be used.
Who is responsible for maintaining the earth walls (aardewallen) between lots?
The earth walls are the property of the residents, and maintenance is the responsibility and account of the owners.
What is the maximum area allowed for a shed or outbuilding?
The standard maximum area for a shed is 100 m², though exemptions up to 150 m² are possible depending on plot size and location.
