Urban oasis sloterdijk Amsterdam

Amsterdam Sloterdijk; an area dominated by shiny office towers and large-scale infrastructure will transform into a mixed urban neighbourhood. Urban Oasis Sloterdijk is our answer to the challenge raised by the municipality; ‘design a tower for middleclass families - a group hardly facilitated in by the city in recent years’. A challenge indeed, given the adjacent infrastructural nodes, high noise levels of the area and the industrial character of its public space.

The new architectural ensemble aims to unify the desires of a middle-class target-group together with the specifics of the location. The lower buildings form a closed building with an intimate inner garden that functions as a meeting place and playground for its inhabitants. The towers adapt to the skyline of the industrial surroundings; their powerful expression adheres to the Sloterdjik typology, while its refined details, green and warm materials match a more classical conception of ‘living’.

The architecture of the higher tower is shaped by spacious family balconies and low-noise loggias. Usually, noise effective facades look closed and unattractive, here limitations are turned into an opportunity to create a vivid, expressive façade. The balconies and loggias form an effective acoustic barrier and offer the dwellings a generous, sheltered outside space. This way, all dwellings enjoy a spectacular view from a deep private garden in the clouds. Brass-coloured window frames and lush plants with sufficient soil hidden behind the balcony parapets further buffer and add colour to the grey surroundings.