Tjaardaflats, Modernist apartment complex in Drachten, Netherlands
Tjaardaflats is a residential complex with three towers on the eastern side of Drachten. Each building contains approximately 13 floors and features distinct colored slate patterns across its facade.
Van den Broek and Bakema designed this complex in 1970 during the Netherlands' post-war architectural expansion. The buildings arose during a growth period for the city of Drachten.
The three towers carry names rooted in Frisian building traditions: de Stins, de Pleats, and de State. These names connect the modern residential blocks to the local identity of the region.
The buildings have secured entrances with intercom systems and elevators for residents. There are also bicycle storage areas and individual storage rooms for each household.
Designer Henk Lampe created specific slate coverings for each tower in 1993 with individual patterns. These surface treatments transformed the originally identical structures into visually distinct buildings.
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