CPD Cloisters

Expanding from the original Groenestraat church, this Catholic religious stronghold in Nijmegen’s Hazenkamp district, developed from the early twentieth century onwards. On the site, formerly occupied by one of the schools, NEXIT designed a housing complex that takes its cues from the historical context. In order to link the various buildings, we proposed a single unifying roof which, like the former cloisters offers protection in the form of covered outdoor spaces. The new addition is envisioned as an integral and accessible part of the monastic assemblage which encircles the collective gardens. The large communal vegetation roof will frame numerous types of housing, ranging from single family homes to loft-homes as well as small and larger apartments. This ‘nature-inclusive’ roof will extend generously beyond the house facades, creating sheltered outdoor spaces for balconies, the spacious collective entrance and pedestrian access. It offers shelter from rain and protects from overheating during summer heat. These spaces between inside and out, collective and private are bounded and articulated by the rhythm of the supporting, green columns. It is the space where city, street and home meet.