Woonpioniers' CoHouse in Utrecht: Interlocking Homes Designed Like Tetris

Dutch architecture studio Woonpioniers has unveiled CoHouse, a co-housing project in Utrecht that interlocks two distinct yet complementary homes within a single gabled structure. Designed for two families who purchased a riverside plot in the village of Cothen, the project was shaped by municipal regulations requiring both residences to fit into one building volume. ## A Tetris-Inspired Layout The 237-square-metre development features two equally sized homes that overlap on their upper floors, a configuration the studio describes as resembling a 'game of Tetris.' According to studio partner Leen Bogerd, the design was driven by the need to optimize garden views, privacy, and sunlight while adhering to local planning constraints. "Two families chose to build together, but the municipality required both homes to fit within a single building volume," Bogerd explained. "We addressed this by interlocking two equivalent, though distinct, homes. To make the most of the garden, views, privacy, and sunlight, the two homes were carefully rotated around each other like a game of Tetris." Each home was tailored to the families' needs, with floor plans oriented to overlook either an enclosed garden or the surrounding landscape. The design ensures that both residences benefit from natural light and outdoor connections while maintaining individuality. ## Sustainable and Bio-Based Construction The project prioritizes sustainability, with both families requesting a low-carbon approach. The structure features a timber frame, cross-laminated timber floors, and wood-fibre insulation. A bio-based acoustic build-up was used for the party floor between the homes to enhance soundproofing. Energy efficiency is achieved through ground-source heat pumps, a heat-recovery ventilation system, and a solar roof. Additional sustainability measures include external shading on the south and west-facing facades, which are finished in timber cladding and render. "For both the architects and the two families, the central ambition was to create a healthy, ecological, and bio-based home with a low environmental impact," Bogerd said. "This led to a timber-based construction system, while also requiring careful solutions for fire safety and acoustics." ## Shared and Private Spaces Both homes share a common entrance area, leading into open-plan kitchen and dining spaces at ground level. Large openings soften the boundary between the homes and a shared garden, fostering a sense of community while preserving privacy. One residence features a double-height void that draws daylight into the ground-floor dining area, with an open timber staircase leading to four bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor. The second home has a more closed layout, with four spacious bedrooms on its upper floor. Exposed timber surfaces, grey-toned flooring, and neutral tones define the interiors, creating a cohesive yet adaptable aesthetic. The project reflects Woonpioniers' commitment to sustainable, family-oriented design, following their recent completion of a timber-lined home in Utrecht and a prefabricated wooden cabin in a Dutch forest.