Home / Architecture / Architecture by Dudok / Residential building /Public housing / 4th Municipal Housing Development

4th Municipal Housing Development
1921 / W.M. Dudok

Bosdrift 1-29 (eastside, from beginning till the Begoniastraat), Hilvertsweg 4a-12 (westside, first 3 blocks of two houses), Meidoornstraat 1-11 and 4-14, Hilversum

The fourth municipal housing development of workers’ houses is located opposite the General Cemetery on the Bosdrift, which is provided with avenue planting on the spot. While studying the area in 1915, Dudok noted that an attempt should be made to build on the site opposite the cemetery.

There was a building ban on a strip along the Bosdrift because of the cemetery opposite. By putting back the building line, it turned out to be possible to build houses there. The ugly backs of the older workers’ houses could therefore be disguised. The buildings were inspired by the buildings set by him and architect J.J.P. Old designed houses in Leiderdorp: closed building blocks that provide peace and intimacy and where repetition is unnoticeable. The building block was given accents for a striking silhouette effect. A public building was to be built on the site in the point, at the junction of Bosdrift and Hilvertsweg.

Dudok has built a bath house with a slender chimney. Also in the complex is Dr. H. Bavinckschool included. The angles are sharp and the structure consists of block-shaped volumes.

Source: Annette Koenders, Hilversum. Architectuur en Stedenbouw 1850-1940, Zwolle (2001).