Holland Park Diemen-Zuid

Project Name
Holland Park Diemen-Zuid
Function
Façade design for housing project
Location
Diemen-Zuid, near Amsterdam (Netherlands)
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concept

Diemen-Zuid, a former office site from the 1980s, is located southeast of Amsterdam. In recent years, this district has struggled – on the campus of a third level institution – with significant vacancy. Project developer Snippe Projecten saw a bright future for a new district of Amsterdam there.

Project Description

The unattractive existing offices will make way for 3,400 housing units within an original concept. Snippe wants to create a high-quality, yet affordable residential area. It must contain beautiful architecture, canals and a park, but also many shops and catering facilities.

The innovative concept is an invitation to enjoy the public space and to meet people. The rich mix of architectural styles enhances the quality experience of the future residents.

The working method used to design Holland Park is also innovative. A structural architect first drew the floor plans of each block. Afterwards the different architects worked on the façades of the relevant buildings. Bontinck Architecture and Engineering was therefore able to draw three front and three rear façades. These non-adjacent façades are located in a 120-apartment block around a communal garden. We obviously had to take into account the rooms behind the façade while letting in as much light as possible.

In three workshops we designed the façades and we placed them next to the designs of other architects to achieve a cohesive whole. Yet, each architectural firm was able to maintain its individual character.