Healthcare and Housing Complex Eltheto Takes a Fresh Approach To Designing With Nature

Designed by 2by4-architects, the Healthcare and Housing Complex ‘Eltheto’ is a progressive and modern model of living for the elderly. Situated in the small Dutch town of Rijssen, the development comprises four housing blocks oriented around several interlocking green spaces that foster social interaction and accommodate activities ranging from communal gardening and games to relaxing and enjoying the numerous trees and flowering plants.

In addition to providing a sense of community and proximity to green space through their design, 2by4-architects also aimed to achieve an expressive contemporary architecture with strong identity and warm, natural finishes. As part of this objective, the architects initially proposed an exterior finish of smooth white render in combination with natural wood cladding. In addition to using wood to create a striking material contrast, the architects were drawn to the material’s natural look and feel, as well as its sustainable properties. However, due to the high-maintenance costs associated with maintaining exterior wood cladding and preventing it from turning grey, the architects were challenged by the client - a housing corporation and healthcare organization - to find a new ‘wood like’ alternative.

Sustainably made from natural and durable basalt stone, the board materials from the ROCKPANEL Group were an intriguing option. The design team ultimately selected unfinished ROCKPANEL Natural, a board that naturally weathers and changes appearance under the influence of the elements. When initially installed, the boards had a green colour, which changed to a warm, earthy brown colour after exposure to sun and rain. Further to this, the characteristics of the volcanic basalt stone contained within these board materials result in richly textured finishes with outstanding durability against the elements. In short, the look and feel of real wood is achieved in a fresh and innovative way.

Project architect Remko Remijnse explains that the clients were at first surprised by the suggestion of using these boards to achieve a wood look without relying on a wood print of any kind. Indeed, it is the first project in the Netherlands where the boards would be installed in this fashion. The clients and architects were however extremely impressed with the natural looking result. “Sustainable with a look and feel as good as wood, we found our alternative!” says Remijnse.