Beeldkwaliteitplan Meeroevers II/b Vlek 15 and 16 – Residential Design Standards
The Beeldkwaliteitplan Meeroevers II/b vlek 15 en 16 is a regulatory document issued by the Gemeente Slochteren (now part of the Gemeente Groningen) on August 14, 2013. It functions as a supplement to the Welstandsnota Slochteren 2004 and provides a legal assessment framework for the municipal beauty committee (welstandscommissie). The plan establishes the aesthetic and structural requirements for the development of residential plots 15 and 16 within the Meerstad expansion area, ensuring that new construction aligns with the spatial vision for the Meeroevers district.
The document governs specific residential typologies including detached houses (vrijstaande woningen), semi-detached houses (twee-aaneengebouwde woningen), and terraced houses (rijwoningen). It defines the spatial identity of the area through landscape elements such as the Hoofdweg, Meeroeverslaan, and the Kwelvaart waterway. Regulations are structured into chapters covering Meerstadkwaliteit (general principles), Visie en Strategie (vision and strategy), and Gebiedsgerichte Welstandscriteria (area-specific criteria), with a focus on the Meerstadwoning architectural concept.
This framework dictates mandatory thresholds for building heights, plot coverage percentages, and roof pitches, while also specifying approved materials and colors for facades and roofs. It serves as both an inspiration guide for architects and a technical compliance document for developers and property owners operating within the Meerstad residential landscape.
The Meerstadwoning Concept
The Meerstadwoning is defined by six core characteristics that ensure unity across the development while allowing for individual architectural expression.
- Unity in basic shape: Buildings must feature a rectangular main volume with a required roof (kap).
- Material and color consistency: All facades and roof surfaces must use a single primary material and color to emphasize the building's volume.
- Meerstad-detail: A subtle architectural distinction must be made between the ground floor and the upper floors, often achieved through setbacks in masonry or lintel placement.
- Subtle variation in openings: Fenestration and door placements provide individuality between adjacent properties.
- Boundary treatment: The transition between public and private space is defined by uniform green hedges, such as Acer campestre or Crataegus.
Building Dimensions and Plot Ratios
Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 specify the spatial limits for different building types. Construction is only permitted within designated building envelopes (bouwvlakken), which are set back 3m to 5m from plot boundaries.
- Detached houses: Maximum plot coverage is 30% of the total area, with a maximum footprint of 200m² including outbuildings.
- Semi-detached houses: Maximum plot coverage is 30%, with a maximum footprint of 150m² per unit.
- Terraced houses: Maximum plot coverage is 50%, with a maximum footprint of 100m² per unit.
- Height limits: The maximum ridge height (nokhoogte) is 13m, while the maximum gutter height (goothoogte) is 6m for the main building.
Roof and Material Specifications
Roof design is strictly regulated to maintain the landscape's character. All dwellings must have a sloped roof (kap), with orientation choices between a dwarskap (perpendicular to the street) or a langskap (parallel).
- Roof pitch: A minimum pitch of 50 degrees is required for a dwarskap, while a langskap requires at least 40 degrees.
- Materials: Approved materials include brick in earth tones, wood, and lime-washed or plastered finishes in white or gray.
- Roofing: Acceptable finishes are matte red/orange or anthracite ceramic tiles, or natural reed (riet).
- Outbuildings: These must be situated behind the front facade line and may have a maximum ridge height of 7m and a gutter height of 4.5m for detached units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum ridge height allowed for houses in Meeroevers Vlek 15 and 16?
The maximum ridge height for the main building is 13 meters, as specified in the area-specific criteria.
Are flat roofs permitted for residential buildings in this area?
No, every house must have a roof (kap). Flat roofs are only permitted as part of an architectural ensemble if the main roof shape remains clearly recognizable.
What are the requirements for garden fences and plot boundaries?
Property owners are required to use green hedges for boundary separation. Specifically, species like Acer campestre (Field Maple) or Crataegus (Hawthorn) are recommended to maintain a green, rural character.
How many parking spaces must be provided per house?
Each house must provide at least two parking spaces on its own plot, with garages and carports located behind the front building line.
What is the maximum footprint for a detached house?
A detached house may have a maximum gross ground floor area of 200m², provided this does not exceed 30% of the total plot area.
What materials are allowed for facade finishes?
Facade materials must consist of brick (in earth tones), wood, or plasterwork/lime-wash (keimwerk) in white or gray tones.
