INCK

Location and context
INCK is a new residential development in Blaarthem, Eindhoven, comprising 400 homes for both rent and sale. The project is centred around shared living, social interaction and healthy living within a green urban environment. The public space forms the heart of the plan and is designed so that nature, relaxation and social encounters come together in a natural and intuitive way. Green space is not merely decorative, but a fundamental component of everyday life.

Design brief and commission
In 2022, MTD landscape architects were commissioned by Heijmans to develop the landscape master plan, preliminary design and final design for the public space and roof gardens of INCK. For this project, MTD collaborates with Faam Architects, Heijmans, Woonbedrijf and the Municipality of Eindhoven on a cohesive and future-proof residential landscape.

Landscape vision
The landscape design of INCK is inspired by Eindhoven’s characteristic stream valley landscape. This landscape layer forms the foundation for an ecological and biodiverse design in which planting and use reinforce one another. By allowing space for natural processes, a green living environment emerges that is not only pleasant for residents, but also contributes to biodiversity, climate adaptation and a healthy city.

Green zone along Karel de Grotelaan
Along Karel de Grotelaan, a robust ecological zone is created that functions as a green buffer between the busy traffic artery and the residential area. Existing woodland is carefully thinned, preserving valuable trees while creating space for new planting. The zone will have a varied character, with species-rich grassland, shaded greenery and multi-stem shrubs. This enhances ecological value while also creating a pleasant, sheltered living environment.

Park zone at Humperdincklaan and Glinkastraat
The Park Zone forms the green meeting place of the neighbourhood: a space for play, relaxation and casual encounters. Meandering paths run through a park-like landscape with trees and diverse planting. Cyclists are guests here, ensuring that the area is primarily designed for pedestrians and playing children. Existing trees are retained wherever possible, allowing old and new greenery to merge into a mature park structure. From the townhouses, residents step directly from their front door into the green space.

Parking and greening
Parking for INCK is largely accommodated beneath the buildings. This creates more space above ground for greenery, air and high-quality public space. Two green inner courtyards — the Garden Zones — are realised on top of the parking structures. Where parking is required within the public realm, spaces are carefully integrated into the landscape using grass concrete pavers, trees, shrubs and flowering planting, ensuring these areas also contribute to a green appearance.

Living in INCK
Living in INCK means living in a green and healthy environment. From your home, you look out over trees, shrubs, grasslands and flowering borders instead of a predominantly hardscaped streetscape. This contributes to reduced stress, improved air quality and natural cooling during warm summers. The public space invites social interaction, movement and relaxation, while the ecological approach supports a climate-resilient and biodiverse city. INCK is therefore not only a pleasant place to live, but also an investment in the future of Eindhoven.