Nestled among dense urban development and surrounded by historical buildings, the most recent new development project in Amsterdam is currently being built in Oostenburg.
Amsterdam, with more than 4,000 residents per square kilometre, is among the most densely populated cities in the world. Oostenburg is a popular residential area in the centre of Amsterdam, and one of the last districts of the city where new buildings can still be constructed. Next to the VOC quayside, 70 buildings with a total of 1,800 rental and owner-occupied flats were built. One of these is De Keizer, a seven-story residential complex, whose appearance is defined first and foremost by the black EcoBrick facing bricks.
Due to the lack of space, a material was sought that would enable the thinnest possible façade: “This is how we decided on the EcoBrick facing bricks from Wienerberger with a thickness of only 65mm, which enabled us to build 1% more living space. We decided on the black HV EcoBrick Agora for aesthetic reasons”, explained the architect Ivar van der Zwan. Floor-to-ceiling windows and two balcony façades allow for maximum light and a private exterior space in each flat. The building is adjacent to a popular promenade, and this is why Brazilian brickwork was chosen in the ground floor area.
Van der Zwan: “This means the doors can be left completely open on hot days with no danger of a break-in.” The new building project, adjacent to historical brick buildings, blends in seamlessly with its surroundings thanks to its dark brick façade. “We used this product for the first time in this project, and we were very pleased with it”, sums up Van der Zwan.
Where space is tight and appearance plays an important role, building requires a careful choice of materials. With 35% less volume, the EcoBrick takes a step in the direction of sustainability: A smaller format means less raw materials and less energy used in production and transport, and hence it is the right choice when the most important factor is a small ecological footprint. “Sustainability in the broadest sense of the word is an absolute prerequisite for a high-end living environment”, in the opinion of Van der Zwan.
This refers not only to the building methods, but also to be community areas: The rooftop garden is planted with perennials and trees and equipped with seating and playground equipment. It also serves as a rainwater collection facility. “A high value was placed on quality of life with lots of space for contact with the neighbours both in the building and also in the central courtyard”, says Van der Zwan.
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