“Natural light plays a central role in Nieuw Bergen, as volumes follow a strict height limit and a design guideline that allows for the maximum amount of natural sunlight, views, intimacy and reduced visibility from street levels,” says Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. ‘Pocket parks also ensure a pleasant distribution of greenery throughout the neighborhood and create an intimate atmosphere for all.”
 
Imaginary planes at an angle of 45 degrees are drawn from the foot print of neighboring residential buildings which leads to natural light principles  that results in unpredictable building forms with jagged silhouettes, a modern, optimistic atmosphere. At the same time these refer traditional pitched roofs. The 45-degree angle results in maximum sunlight for both houses and public space hence creating an optimum environment with significant energy savings as a result. The oblique roof planes are ideally suited for installing solar panels and also accommodate green roofs. This concept is an evolution of the urban strategy tool MVRDV has been developing and actively applies in cities in need of sustainable densification.

Individual buildings within Nieuw Bergen are different, yet they all collectively form a family of buildings that fit into the existing context like a mosaic. The sloping roofs reinforce this diversity and create a varied roof landscape. The diverse roofscape with solar panels and green make for an eye-catching and sustainable character. Angled roofs are less visible from the ground floor and result in a more intimate city. Collective gardens and greenhouses with lamella roof structures crown a number of buildings. A conscious choice of neutral colors and textured materials with subtle differences inform the striking glazed ceramic facades. Other façade materials incorporate stone, wood and concrete elements and the colour palette varies from white to gray; and shiny to rough. Wall openings also follow this diversity of architecture and varied positioned balconies with generous outdoor spaces create a vivid and attractive living environment.