The project concerns the redevelopment of the prominent corner location at Zeeweg 113 / Willemsbeekweg in the centre of IJmuiden. The site has been under ownership since 2019 and historically accommodated hospitality-related uses. Following earlier plans for a small-scale hotel development, a deliberate repositioning was made in 2024 towards a contemporary residential building with an active ground-floor plinth, fully aligned with the municipality’s ambitions for urban renewal and housing delivery.
Together with RDVA architects our team delivered the plan for the conversion from hotel to residential. The development directly responds to the strong demand for compact, high-quality homes for starters and young urban professionals, while contributing to retaining younger generations within IJmuiden.
Deliver a future-proof residential building comprising approximately 25 apartments and a multifunctional commercial ground floor.
Strengthen the urban core of IJmuiden, in direct connection with Plein 1945 and the Pont tot Park area vision.
Attract and retain new target groups (starters, young professionals and active seniors) through affordable, modern and community-oriented living concepts.
Create social value by integrating shared amenities and collective spaces within the building.
Develop sustainably and efficiently, with limited environmental impact and high construction quality.
The architectural concept is defined by a stepped corner volume that carefully mediates between the Zeeweg and the adjoining low-rise residential neighbourhood. The design:
Emphasises the corner position and enhances the urban quality around Plein 1945.
Combines a lively, transparent ground-floor plinth with residential floors above.
Integrates generous outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces and roof gardens.
Introduces a new urban residential typology for IJmuiden, combining a strong identity with contextual sensitivity.
Collective functions, including a shared living kitchen and meeting spaces, are intentionally incorporated to foster social interaction among residents.
Sustainability is embedded throughout both the design and construction strategy:
Prefabricated and modular construction system, ensuring minimal nitrogen emissions and significantly reduced construction time.
Predominantly timber-based structural systems, meeting high standards for fire safety and durability.
Energy-efficient building design, prepared for near energy-neutral performance, including solar panels and efficient building services.
Climate-adaptive measures, such as green roofs, rainwater buffering and enhanced biodiversity.
Reduced environmental footprint through controlled off-site production, fewer transport movements and minimised construction waste.
Zeeweg IJmuiden - a new residential concept
Key Ambitions
Strategy & Approach
The development strategy is based on close collaboration with the Municipality of Velsen from the early initiative phase onward. Through exploratory consultations, feasibility studies and iterative design steps (Sketch Design to Preliminary Design), strong public support has been established for a modest urban height accent at this location.
Key strategic principles include:
Programme tailored to the target groups, featuring compact apartment layouts, shared facilities and a reduced car-parking demand.
A contemporary mobility concept focused on cycling and shared mobility solutions, reflecting current urban living patterns.
A phased and well-defined planning approach, leading to the Definitive Design and permit application (anticipated Q2 2026), with completion targeted for Q4 2027.
Design & Sustainability