St. Josephhof is located near the historic city centre of Nijmegen. The design of this residential complex recalls the rich heritage of the site. Shortly before the beginning of the Common Era, this area was home to the settlement known as Oppidum Batavorum, which preceded the city of Nijmegen. St. Josephhof school occupied the site since the beginning of the 20th century, and after it was demolished in the 1970s the site became a car park. In 2008, the declining area was transformed into the Hof van Eden. The layout of Hof van Eden is interwoven with the pattern of streets in the surrounding historic city centre. The complex comprises 98 residences, including apartments and townhouses with gardens. At the perimeter of the courtyard, three shared gardens establish a link between the existing buildings and new residences. Varying in form and appearance, these gardens are accessible only to residents, while a charming public courtyard provides a safe play area for children. Directly below the courtyard is the two-storey car park for residents. In spite of its contemporary architecture, the Hof van Eden fits well with its traditional surroundings. The facade is made of bricks fired in a traditional kiln from the Nijmegen region, their varying formats and tints lending each building a different character. Additionally, the facades and windows differ in width and type. Double-height windows are paired with small windows scattered along the facade, leading to different apartment layouts. Connecting the buildings, a dynamic walkway winds past various gardens and locations within the complex.
