The Sluishuis is a collaborative contemporary waterfront housing project between BIG + Barcode Architects in Amsterdam. The project is a modern interpretation of the Amsterdam building block typology that reacts precisely to its unique setting in the water. The residential scheme has 442 flats in total. The building’s layout alternates between owner-occupied and rental residences, providing room for a range of target groups, income levels, and age groups.
The structure is interestingly shaped, elevated on one side to let water into the courtyard and stepped down on the other to extend an inviting entrance to IJburg with inviting green terraces. This makes the structure perceived differently from every viewpoint, whether standing on the dyke, highway, or bridge, crossing jetties or a public route over the roof, or even observing the structure from the air.
The central courtyard serves as the access to all apartments. When entering the complex, the river and cantilever welcome you to the structure. Moving to the apartments, the unique design of Sluishuis, with its double-cut volume, provides each residence with the best possible views and lighting. The Sluishuis project has different housing types, including water sports apartments and small urban studios. Duplex penthouses connected to the courtyard and a view of the IJmeer lake are located on the top two levels.
On the stepped part are high-end apartments with lavish, bright hardwood roof terraces and views of IJburg. Apartments near the base of the cantilever, with breath-taking views over the IJmeer and right on the lake, are particularly remarkable. The fact that these apartments dangle over the lake and have a sizable window where the floor slopes down to the sloping façade allow you to see the boats sailing directly under you is what makes them so distinctive.
The unique central podium will house a diverse program that includes a café with a large patio in the sun, a sailing school, and a center for water activities. Both locals and guests access the area through the courtyard. Visitors and inhabitants of Sluishuis may enjoy breathtaking views of the neighborhood and the river from the roof’s balcony.
Around the structure is a jetty deck with 34 houseboats. The jetty landscape encourages interaction with the water with its various anchoring spots, lounging decks, and floating gardens. The carefully planned landscaping encourages flora and fauna with native plant species and a bird island. In this manner, the plinth and the surroundings contribute much to the ambiance.
Natural materials were used for the material palette so that the structure would age with a rich, organic appearance. The structure attempts both contrast and a link to its environment in its materiality. The façade’s unfinished, abstract metal reflects the water and changes the volume’s look depending on the time of day. On the other hand, the wooden jetty walkway and tiered roof terraces have a tangible aspect.
The sustainability aspect is significant in the Sluishuis Project. The energy performance coefficient (EPC) of this object is zero. By combining good insulation methods, triple glazing, and heat recovery from the ventilation systems and showers, the building’s heating requirements have been reduced to a minimum. Heat pumps heat the building for cooling, hot water, and energy-efficient district heating. The building’s 2,200 m2 solar panels provide all the energy needed for heating, heat pumps, ventilation, and LED lighting.
In addition to these technological considerations, Sluishuis’ development carefully considered landscaping and water collecting. Gardens featuring regional plant species are located in the courtyard, on the sides, and in front. Built-in planters line the roof terraces’ upward slopes with flora. This produces a lovely green ambiance on the roof.
Project info:
Architects: Barcode Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group
Collaborators: BIG Landscape architecture, Van Rossum, Buro Bouwfysica, Klimaatgarant, DWA
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Category: Residential apartments
Area: 49000 m²
Year: 2022
Client: BESIX RED, VORM
General Contractor: Building consortium BESIX Nederland/VORM
Photographs: Ossip van Duivenbode
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