Where in Zuidas
With its design for the Habitat Royale, KondorWessels Vastgoed won the tender for the plot at Beatrixpark. The residential building, with 94 owner-occupied homes in the upmarket segment, is between the Kapel & Convict buildings and the St. Nicolaaslyceum. The design scored particularly well in terms of sustainability, the large amount of space for flora and fauna (in and on the building) and its integration within this unusual setting. Deputy Mayor Reinier van Dantzig: ‘This plan is a great example of how Amsterdam’s sustainability ambitions are resulting in some extraordinary developments in the city. It’s an innovative design and a superb example of nature-inclusive construction. I’m really looking forward to the end result, because this building will not only enrich Zuidas, but also help boost biodiversity.’
Connection with Beatrixpark
A team of landscape architects, ecologists and engineers based the design on ecological principles. Starting from the tree rising into the atrium from the basement, immediately behind the entrance to Beethovenstraat, the building extends outwards in four interconnected residential towers. Thanks to its organic, undulating shapes and the use of ceramic and wood, Habitat Royale is a perfect match for the natural setting. In and around the building, there will also be plenty of space for greenery and great habitats not only for insects and birds, but also bats and squirrels. Habitat Royale will add a layered landscape to the existing park landscape.
Apartments
The building will house 94 owner-occupied homes in the upmarket segment with spacious outdoor areas in six apartment types, spread across four connected towers of up to eight floors. The lobby leads to the atrium, a crèche and an orangery with exhibition area as well as a small outdoor terrace. There will be gardens on the roof and a car park and a bicycle storage facility under the building.
Sustainability
The design achieved the highest score in the sustainability category. Solar panels are used to generate energy, there is a thermal energy storage system for both cooling and heating the building and an innovative ventilation system. The building is extremely well insulated and will on balance be energy-positive. Thanks to the use of recycled materials and natural raw materials, the building also achieves a high score for circularity.
Living in Zuidas
Zuidas is developing into a vibrant city district of Amsterdam with high-quality housing, offices, amenities and public transport. The years ahead will see a great deal of construction. By 2030, this will result in around 10,000 homes ranging from social rental housing and student accommodation to owner-occupied and rental apartments in the mid- and upmarket segments. In addition to Habitat Royale and the housing planned for the two adjacent plots, plans for the area around Beatrixpark also include a new social and cultural use for Kapel & Convict which is set to bring added vibrancy to the area.
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