Spread over two locations in Amsterdam, the Brouwersgracht and the Vinkenstraat are two subtle developments with a unique character. The biggest challenge of the assignment was adapting the design aesthetic to fit the historic aesthetic and structure of the city.
The design for Brouwersgracht in a small infill site provides seven owner-occupied apartments and one studio. Three types of apartments, all with an open floor plan, are incorporated in the scheme.
The canal side facade is heavily glazed, screened by exterior shutters which open to create French balconies. The corner of the site is articulated as a brick tower with large punched openings. Beyond the tower, the alley facade is a plinth of masonry with vertical western red cedar boarding; the cedar cladding in turn wraps the rear facade.
Windows on the alley and the rear elevation are smaller and more discreet, providing daylight and views but also giving the inhabitants a measure of privacy. The building appears new in its context but responds carefully to the architectural and urban nuances of its sensitive historic context.
Located in the Vinkenstraat, the L.A. Rieshuis is a commune for elderly. The project consists of four layers, each consisting of two different one-bedroom apartments. The floor plans are clear and compact and every floor has a shared balcony.
The facade consists of a brick wall with staggered windows creating a different incidence of light in every apartment. The glass facade on the ground floor creates a distinct visual connection between the communal space and the street.