Tijdelijke School Meeroevers Beeldkwaliteitplan – Visual Quality Guidelines
The Tijdelijke School Meeroevers Beeldkwaliteitplan is a regulatory document issued by the Gemeente Slochteren (now part of the Municipality of Groningen) on 12 October 2011. It serves as an assessment framework for the visual quality and architectural integration of a temporary school building located on the Schoolwierde within the Meeroevers district. This document functions as a supplement to the Welstandsnota Slochteren (2004) and aligns with the broader Bestemmingsplan Meerstad-Midden approved in 2008.
The scope of this visual quality plan is limited to the specific site designated as the Schoolwierde, which is part of the first phase of the Meerstad development. It defines the aesthetic requirements for building volumes, materials, and plot layout to ensure the school harmonizes with the surrounding residential landscape and the planned harbor area. The document details specific thresholds for building heights, color schemes, and the placement of secondary structures such as bicycle storage and parking facilities.
This regulatory framework acts as both an inspiration guide for architects and a testing document for the welstandscommissie (aesthetic committee). It establishes the baseline quality required for the building to be considered compliant with local planning expectations for the Meeroevers development.
Urban Planning Context and Scope
The Meeroevers district is defined as a residential landscape located east of Groningen, situated between the Eemskanaal and Harkstede. The spatial structure of the area is governed by several key elements that influence the school's positioning:
- Hoofdweg: The existing ribbon development to which Meeroevers is connected.
- Groene radialen: Green corridors providing spatial connections between the Hoofdweg and the Woldmeer.
- Meeroeverslaan: The internal primary access road.
- Oeverpad and Waterfront: The central structural spine of the Meeroevers district.
Building Volume and Orientation
Construction is strictly permitted within the building envelope defined on the zoning map. The school is intended to form part of the building wall surrounding the local harbor.
- Maximum Building Height: The school building may not exceed a height of 9 meters.
- Dual Frontage: The building is designated as having two front facades, specifically the west facade and the south facade.
- Ground Floor Openness: Both front facades must feature windows of appropriate size on the ground floor; blind facades are prohibited on these sides.
Materiality and Color Palette
The temporary school is a modular structure designed to grow or shrink based on needs. The visual identity of the building is restricted to a specific set of materials and colors to maintain coherence with the district's aesthetic.
- Facade Material: External walls must be finished in wooden planks (houten planken).
- Facade Colors: Allowed colors for the primary facade are black, white, or brick red (baksteenrood).
- Frames and Edges: Window frames, door frames, additional moldings, and roof edges must be white or gray.
- Moving Parts: Elements such as windows and doors may be white, gray, dark green, or the same color as the facade.
Annexes and Site Infrastructure
Specific rules apply to outbuildings and the arrangement of the plot to prevent visual clutter within the public space.
- Annex Placement: Subordinate outbuildings, such as bicycle storage, must be placed behind the front building lines (voorgevelrooilijnen).
- Annex Dimensions: Outbuildings are limited to a maximum total surface area of 50 m² and a maximum height of 3.5 meters.
- Parking: All parking must be resolved on the Schoolwierde itself, with the primary goal of removing parked cars from the street view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum height allowed for the temporary school in Meeroevers?
The maximum permitted building height for the school is 9 meters.
Which colors are permitted for the school's facade?
The facade must be finished in wooden planks using one of three colors: black, white, or brick red.
Can the school have blind walls facing the harbor?
No, the west and south facades are considered frontages and must be equipped with windows of suitable size on the ground floor.
What are the size limits for outbuildings like bicycle storage?
Outbuildings have a maximum combined area of 50 m² and a maximum height of 3.5 meters.
Where should parking be located for the Meeroevers school?
Parking must be facilitated on the Schoolwierde site and should be positioned to minimize its impact on the streetscape.
What is the primary material required for the building's exterior?
The building must be finished with wooden planks.
