The Langebrug project lies in the heart of the historical centre of Leiden. The dynamic history of the location resulted in the complete disappearance of the original medieval street plan of alleyways and courtyards woven between main corridors.
Redevelopment of the area into housing for 250 students has restored the medieval street patterns using existing and new garden walls to define the edges of the historical alleys. Behind the brick masonry walls white plaster buildings rise up, and trees and landscaping come into view, resonating with the aesthetics of the immediate surroundings.
During the first phase, a historic corner property was redeveloped into approximately thirty individual residences. The remaining residences were subsequently developed throughout five separate building volumes. During this process, the former fire hose drying tower and a fragment of the church facade along Langebrug Street were preserved.
The buildings have been designed as compact apartment complexes. Daylight and organically sweeping masonry walls guide movement from the main entrance to the individual front doors. The green courtyards, visible through the open ports in the garden walls, contrast with the small red pavers in the alleyways.