In the Amsterdam neighborhood of IJburg, an emerging urban district built on six artificial islands, a new 46,000-sm mixed-use building named Sluishuis wants to replicate the neighborhood’s fusion of water and city on a smaller scale.
The building is being developed by a combination of Vorm and Besix with design duties being handled by BIG and Barcode Architects. Sluishuis will act as the centerpiece of IJburg and will offer 380 zero-energy residences, about 4,000 sm of commercial and common areas, 240 underground parking spaces, and a water-quality program with space for up to 30 houseboats.
The Sluishuis employs a unique shape that makes it appear different from every vantage point. The section of the building that faces the water is lifted up to form a large opening that brings the water from the IJ Lake into the courtyard and also brings daylight and views into the complex’s inner apartments. The opposite side of the building is angled toward the neighboring urban district and cascades downward with a series of landscaped terraces. A small public passage climbs the terraces up to a rooftop viewing platform. Beyond its more functional purpose, the passage is also intended to help connect the residential units to each other and foster a stronger community.
Winding around the building and continuing into the water is a promenade filled with public programs. As it stretches into the water it forms an archipelago of islands with houseboats, a sailing school, and floating gardens.
In addition to the zero-energy residences, the construction process is designed to reduce environmental impact by limiting CO2 emissions and using renewable resources throughout the building.
Rendering courtesy of BIG.
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Apr 29, 2015
OMA unveils design for the Netherlands' largest hotel
Once completed, and if approved, the structure will add three stacked cubes to the Amsterdam skyline.
High-rise Construction | Apr 23, 2015
Size matters in NYC, where several projects vie for the city’s tallest building honor
The latest renderings of 217 West 57th Street show a tower that would rise higher than the World Trade Center’s pinnacle, when elevations are included.
High-rise Construction | Apr 22, 2015
Architects propose sustainable ‘vertical city’ in the Sahara
Designers aim to make the 1,476-foot tower sustainable, relying on rainwater collection, solar power, and geothermal energy.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 13, 2015
Figure-eight shaped hotel to open around PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics Facility
Just three miles away from the Olympic stadiums, the hotel will be a hub of its own.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2015
$100 billion 'city from scratch' taking shape in Saudi Arabia
The new King Abdullah Economic City was conceived to diversify the kingdom's oil-dependent economy by focusing more in its shipping industry.
High-rise Construction | Mar 24, 2015
Timber high-rise residential complex will tower over Stockholm waterfront
The four towers, 20 stories each, will be made entirely out of Swedish pine, from frame to façade.
Mixed-Use | Mar 13, 2015
Dubai announces mega waterfront development Aladdin City
Planned on 4,000 acres in the Dubai Creek area, the towers will be covered in gold lattice and connected via air-conditioned bridges.
High-rise Construction | Mar 11, 2015
Must see: Firm proposes skyscraper with a ‘twist’ in downtown Tulsa
Tulsa, Okla.-based architecture practice Kinslow, Keith & Todd released renderings of a skyscraper concept that takes the shape of a tornado.
Modular Building | Mar 10, 2015
Must see: 57-story modular skyscraper was completed in 19 days
After erecting the mega prefab tower in Changsha, China, modular builder BSB stated, “three floors in a day is China’s new normal.”
Transit Facilities | Mar 4, 2015
5+design looks to mountains for Chinese transport hub design
The complex, Diamond Hill, will feature sloping rooflines and a mountain-like silhouette inspired by traditional Chinese landscape paintings.
