Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Powerhouse Company and DELVA Landscape Architecture & Urbanism reveal plans for a new sustainable mixed-use complex in Amsterdam’s North District for developers RED Company and DW Property that combines living and working spaces while offering unequaled views over the IJ river and direct access to a lush green waterfront for a true urban oasis.
A Hidden Garden, designed by Delva Landscape Architecture & Urbanism, connects the residential and office buildings, creating a space for leisure and social activities.
The ensemble consists of a new office building, two luxurious waterfront private sector residential buildings, and two social housing blocks containing a total of 217 homes, uniquely positioned within the mixed-use development.
The buildings are in a spacious and spectacular setting, with the vibrant center of Amsterdam just minutes away.
“We looked at what the location has to offer. One of its most unique features is the spectacular views. THIS. called for an open façade and a large rooftop terrace, offering an attractive and atmospheric public space,” said Powerhouse Company.
Powerhouse Company has designed a roof terrace that maximizes the site’s potential, opening unparalleled views over the water of the IJ.
The residential and office budlings are connected by the Hidden Garden, designed by DELVA Landscape Architecture & Urbanism, flowing throughout as the hallmark of the project.
THIS. perfectly combines the high, vibrant city energy with the more serene environment of Amsterdam-North.
The studio designed the development by taking advantage of the dynamic views, created by the constantly changing waterscape, with its traffic from ferries, ships, and boats, which is further amplified by dramatic sunsets and skies.
Openings between the office and residential buildings provide optimized orientation to the sun and ensure all have amazing views.
The Hidden Garden creates space and light within the block.
The dense greenery and meandering pathways create a sense of intimacy and calm within the city.
Described as a new architectural icon, the studio chooses a red-colored materials palette, with copper-colored aluminum, and glass connected with the industrial legacy as well as the rational grid of the building with its tall windows, rectangular columns, and brick arches.
On the ground floor, the studio places shared amenities in an open structure contained by wide brick arches.
The cantilevers of the office floor frame wonderful views of the water and provide shade.
The vertical louvers of the façade vary in their placement, creating a dynamic look.
“With new, hybrid ways of working, we designed flexible spaces that reflect all individual needs,” said Niek Koning, Architect at Powerhouse Company.
The project combines today’s office requirements with sustainable elements in airy spaces that naturally energize and inspire its users.
The project features a lush green atrium, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an abundance of light to stimulate the overall productivity and contribute to the well-being of the workers and visitors.
The studio uses many solar panels on the roof to supply the office with sustainable energy. THIS. includes open floor plans offering unlimited possibilities and flexibility, complete with breathtaking views.
With the development of THIS., the studio created a lively new part of the Amsterdam-North District that is unique for its views, amenities, public spaces, and the Hidden Garden.
The increase in working from home due to Covid-19 led to a growing need for offices to stimulate interaction between people that sparks innovation.
THIS. is a social hub, offering the perfect work-life balance while enjoying panoramic views of the water, sky, and the city. With this project, the architects aimed to create a place to call home while enhancing the social and architectural cohesion with the surrounding environment.
Project: THIS.
Architect: Powerhouse Company
Design Team: Niek Koning, Paul Stavert, Koen van der Dungen, Romano van den Dool, and Romke Lap
Landscape Architects: Delva Landscape Architecture & Urbanism
Developers: RED Company and DW Property
Structural Engineer: Van Rossum
Photographs: Plomp
