Where in Zuidas
The skyline in Zuidas will have two new towers. Two slender residential towers of 60 and 70 metres high will soon be going up next to the A10, to the east of the AkzoNobel and Stibbe offices. We reported that homes would be built at this location, known as plot 6/7, as early as 2018. The design has been created by architects bureau UNStudio. The new towers will contain a total of 196 homes – a mix of private sector homes and medium-priced rental homes, which are much in demand in Amsterdam. Construction work is expected to begin in the second half of 2022. At a later stage, local residents will be informed about the construction work and other relevant factors. Completion is scheduled for 2025.
Flora and fauna
UNStudio’s design responds specifically to the location of these new buildings, right next to Beatrix Park. They will feature green roofs, plenty of space, diverse planting and spaces for insects and birds, so that they will become an extension of the flora and fauna in the park. The two towers will be linked by a central section that is as transparent as possible, which will not only serve as an entrance for both towers, but also provide a work space for residents. The ground floor – or plinth – will feature a swimming pool, wellness centre, sports facilities and an ‘in-house cinema’ for residents of the complex. A restaurant with a view over the Beatrix Park will be built in the southeast corner of the plinth. There will also be another space for a commercial facility.
Soundproofing
To make full creative use of the depth and height of the building, the apartments in the towers will have staggered balconies. These will be located right next to the A10 and the railway line, so they will include extensive sound-proofing to exclude ambient noise. All the homes will have triple glazing, and many will also feature a loggia to act as an acoustic buffer between the inside and the outside. An underground parking facility will also be built with approximately 150 parking spaces for cars and 900 for bicycles.
A wooded area in the back garden
BOOM Landscape has been commissioned to design the landscape around the residential towers. This space will have plenty of trees and flowering shrubs, creating the atmosphere of a small wooded area. Landscape architect Jan Maas has made maximum use of the fact that the towers are located on the edge of the green Beatrix Park in his design. We are also working on the design for the public space for the entire area between Kapel & Convict and AkzoNobel, Stibbe and the St. Nicholaas Lyceum.
Positive reception
At a well-attended information meeting in January 2022, real estate developer Breevast revealed their plans for the residential towers to local residents and other stakeholders. There was a mainly positive response from the approximately seventy attendees. One person expressed regret that there would be no walking route between the towers and some thought it was a shame that some facilities will be reserved for residents of the towers. But other than that, there was a positive reception for the design, and in particular for the way in which the complex is integrated into its green surroundings.
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