Orange Architects

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19.05.2026

From industrial harbour to residential waterfront: this is KAAP!

Powerhouse Company, Orange Architects and NEXT architects collaborated on KAAP: an ensemble of five freestanding residential buildings on the IJ in Amsterdam-Noord. Commissioned by AMVEST and COD, the project brings together 70 apartments, ground-floor commercial spaces and a circular waterfront pavilion within the future Oeverpark. KAAP forms part of Cityplot Buiksloterham, the urban plan by Studioninedots and DELVA Landscape Architects & Urbanism. The five buildings follow the neighbourhood grid, subtly rotated in response to Grasweg’s diagonal line through the area. This open composition brings daylight into the site, safeguards privacy and preserves long views across the IJ. Powerhouse Company designed Coast and Verde, the two outer buildings. Their design draws on the idea of contemporary harbour lofts, with glass, black steel, strong horizontal lines and generous outdoor spaces rooted in Buiksloterham’s industrial setting. Orange Architects designed Horn and York, combining white concrete bases with sculptural corten-steel tops. Lower apartments open with panoramic views over the IJ, while higher up, double-height windows are integrated into the corten-steel facades, framing the famous Dutch skies. NEXT architects designed Blanc, with 18 corner apartments, yellow-pigmented concrete, perforated panels and flared balconies, as well as the circular KAAP pavilion, built with 92% recycled and bio-based materials. When the surrounding landscape is completed, KAAP will become more than a place to live: it will offer space for relaxation, recreation and public life along the IJ waterfront.

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