eindgebouw

Eindgebouw is a term used in Dutch architectural and urban planning language to describe the end building in a row of houses or in a planed block. It designates the structure that closes a street line, a courtyard, or a block, and serves as the terminus or visual anchor of the sequence.

In design terms, an eindgebouw often carries a more pronounced massing or façade treatment than intermediate units. Architects may give it a distinct rhythm, larger openings, a different roof form, or extra detailing to emphasize its status as the terminating edge of a street wall. The location at an end can also influence floor plans and entry arrangements, sometimes incorporating a corner entry or an additional exterior projection.

The concept is commonly used in residential development, including rows of townhouses or apartment blocks, and is discussed in planning guidelines that address the articulation of street facades and the treatment of block edges. It is related to, but distinct from, other building types such as tussengebouw (middle building) and hoekgebouw (corner building), which describe different positions within a block or street.

Eindgebouw highlights the relationship between built form and urban perception: by terminating a sequence, it helps define the scale and enclosure of public space while providing opportunities for architectural emphasis at the edge of a development. The exact expression of an eindgebouw varies with local tradition, zoning requirements, and the overall design concept of the project.