Trespa® NL Project of the Month (May):

In the heart of Gouda’s Railway zone, the newly completed De Koploper sets a new standard for smart, inclusive housing. Named after a Dutch train known for its elevated connectors, the project mirrors that inspiration, featuring a raised architectural profile and a forward-looking design approach.

Designed by Leon Thier and Rigobert Nivillac, the building’s U-shaped layout creates a quiet, green inner courtyard, offering residents peace even in a central, rail-adjacent location. The development includes 156 affordable units, ranging from studios to three-room apartments, designed to serve a broad mix of residents.

Rather than a traditional front façade, De Koploper was envisioned as an all-sided structure, offering visual interest from every angle. The exterior showcases a detailed brickwork grid, combining recessed masonry, protruding headers, and a Brazilian bond pattern, all adding depth and variation to the building.

Facing inward, the courtyard features a warmer material palette with Trespa^® Meteon^® Wood Decor NW08 – Italian Walnut in a satin finish. These panels offer a natural look with smart detailing: milled grooves at varying intervals helped visually align with windows, allowing full panels to be used throughout. This not only saved on costs but also minimized maintenance needs.

The cladding was custom-processed by Verdouw for Vetotaal B.V., resulting in 2,834 panels, nearly 20,000 linear meters of groove cuts, and over 30,000 drill holes. Deliveries were precisely coordinated per floor to streamline construction.

The project began with early design studies in 2019, with construction by Dura Vermeer starting in late 2022. The final handover to the client, Mozaïek Wonen, will be completed in phases throughout 2025.

De Koploper reflects what’s possible when architectural vision, sustainable materials, and technical precision come together. It’s a forward-facing project with lasting impact, just like the train it’s named after.

Learn more about Trespa^® Meteon^® Wood Decors and how they can bring warmth and durability to your next design here