Over 200 social rented apartments for first-timers

The City of Amsterdam and De Key recently signed an agreement to this effect. Designed by LEVS architects, the tower will be called Stepstone. Having received tenders and draft design from three Dutch architects’ firms, De Key selected this design in consultation with the City. The social rented apartments will be in a tower 80 metres in height and are specifically intended for first-timers up to the age of 28. They will be permitted to live there for up to five years, after which the intention is for them to move on to another home.

The apartments vary in size from 25 sq. m. to 60 sq. m. The complex will have a roof terrace featuring a sports field, a large courtyard garden, and a communal living room where residents can meet, organise activities, or work. There will be a storage area for bikes and scooters but no parking spaces for cars. The building will feature light materials and glass, numerous balconies, and vertical planting along the façades.

In alliance with VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC, the City is developing a completely new neighbourhood, the Kenniskwartier (Knowledge Quarter), in this part of Zuidas. The area is to the south of A10, between Parnassusweg/Buitenveldertselaan, Amstelveenseweg and A.J. Ernststraat. Stepstone will be located on Mahlerlaan, on the area of derelict land behind the Hourglass and NoMa House (offices of Loyens & Loeff and KraftHeinz) buildings. This is where we are building the Kenniskwartier – also known as the Innovation District – with around 2,700 homes. There will also be space for knowledge-related businesses, a primary school, culture, and hospitality and catering. It will be a neighbourhood that brings together healthcare, science, and entrepreneurship. However, it will take quite some time before this development has been completed.

The realisation of Stepstone is an important step in this development. Construction is expected to start in Q2 2022. It is slated for completion in 2024.