Since the opening in 2005, the newly created, fully manmade island neighbourhood of IJburg has been an astounding success, partly thanks to its direct 15-minute public transport link to Amsterdam Central Station. After the initial creation of Harbour island, Steiger island and Rietlanden, a further plan was developed for Centrum island and Strand island. Our client was lucky to win the draw for a plot on Centrum island and was keen to involve ZEST architecture in the build. As Centrum island is completely new, strict urban planning and construction management is essential. All townhouses are allowed a certain design freedom while at the same time adhering to certain constraints regarding the proportions, heights and transparency of the facades. The result is a dynamic, innovative mix of buildings with an overall continuity and charm.
In order to create a friendly streetscape, the ground floors of all the houses need to have a minimum height of 3,5m and a visual transparency to a depth of 5m. With a maximum building height of 15m, a width of 7m and a depth of 10m, we chose to split the levels so as to fit 3 spacious bedrooms, an office and a large roof terrace.
The split levels lure one through the spaces and create striking double volumes and visual connections. From the living area one can look up to the office but also down towards the dining room and through the impressive 3,7m high window to the garden. A large section of glass floor in the lounge also visually connects it to the kitchen. The kitchen is located one split level down from the dining room and as there is only a 1,3m difference, there is a connected relationship between the two spaces. Similarly, the master bedroom is one split level down from the master bathroom thus allowing a visual connection through a laser cut screen.
With the South façade being the street façade, we designed beautiful laser cut aluminium screens in a brushed brass finish to provide additional sun protection and privacy. Balconies on the street façade are angled, creating a dynamic façade in contrast to the more linear facades of the neighbours. With a maximum buildable area of 250m2, the split levels allowed us additional space for a spectacular roof terrace where the top floor is set back from the street. A portion of the ground floor could extend past 10m which allowed us to build a total area of 268m2.
To read more about the neighbourhood of IJburg in Amsterdam, click here.
THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
