Kaap, Amsterdam

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Horn and York, designed by Orange Architects, are two distinctive residential buildings within the KAAP ensemble on the IJ in Buiksloterham. KAAP comprises five residential buildings and a circular hospitality pavilion, designed by Orange Architects, Powerhouse Company and NEXT architects, and occupies a prominent position on the northern bank of the IJ. With the design of Horn and York, we pay tribute to both the industrial past of the area and the new opportunities that arise from its development.

Where Buiksloterham was once a mono-functional industrial area, it is now growing into a vibrant urban district where living, working and leisure come together. Within this context, Horn and York play a defining role: they give the neighbourhood a recognisable identity and serve as striking landmarks in the skyline of Amsterdam-Noord.

With the design of Horn and York, we pay tribute to both the industrial past of the area and the new opportunities that arise from its development.

The architectural concept for both buildings consists of an open and rational white concrete structure on the lower levels, crowned with an extravagant and sculptural ‘top’ of weathering steel. This allows us to emphasise the quality of living on both the lower and upper floors. The lower floors accommodate up to three apartments per level, while the upper levels comprise full-floor residences.

To maximise the concept, the apartments in the concrete plinth feature generous balconies, suspended from the building structure like large platforms. At the top of the building the outside spaces are designed as loggias or sheltered balconies within the niches of the sculptural facade, anticipating the windy climate on this location.

In the lower part of the buildings, the apartments are arranged horizontally, as generous free-plan types with panoramic views of the IJ. The apartments on the upper floors feature double-height spaces and large vertical windows that emphasise the verticality of the volumes and offer wide views of the Dutch skies.

In the choice of materials, we reference the shipyard history of the area. The white concrete facades and weathering steel tops create an iconic, generous and natural appearance, marking Horn and York as new beacons on the waterfront. A crucial detail is the transition between the weathering steel and the underlying concrete cladding: a concealed gutter prevents rainwater run-off from causing rust stains on the white concrete. This solution was tested with a mock-up, resulting in an immaculate white concrete volume.

By strongly focusing on the context and history of the site, robust and industrial apartment buildings have been designed that will withstand the test of time. A collective heat-cold storage system in combination with underfloor heating provides the necessary comfort in the apartments. The roofs of the sculpturally designed volumes consist of enclosed terraces and green roofs fitted with solar panels. Above the underground car park lies a public waterfront park with a hospitality pavilion, a cycle route and a footpath along the IJ. It forms a green and lively landscape for residents, the surrounding neighbourhood and the city. In doing so, KAAP contributes to Buiksloterham’s transformation into an accessible and attractive urban district

By strongly focusing on the context and history of the site, robust and industrial apartment buildings have been designed that will withstand the test of time.
Project Details
  • Site
  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Client
  • Kop Grasweg C.V. (Amvest & COD)
  • Design
  • 2016
  • Realisation
  • 2025
  • Size
  • 3.980 m2
  • Program
  • Housing
  • Assignment
  • Pitch | selected
  • Team
  • Patrick Meijers, Jeroen Schipper, Elchan Koelijev, Elena Staskute, Gloria Caiti, Casper van Leeuwen, Michal Marcinkowski, Erika Ruiz
  • Advisors
  • Delva Landscape Architecture & Urbanism, Van Rossum bv, Nieman Raadgevende Ingenieurs, IGG bouweconomie, INBO
  • Contractor
  • UBA Bouw
  • Photography
  • Sebastian van Damme, Emile Hoens, Jeroen Musch
  • Video
  • BeemFlights
Publications
Architectenweb
Parool
Bouw Wereld

07/2024, page 68-69

Archello
Architectenweb
Architectuur NL
Archdaily
The Building
Gooood
Architecture Lab
e-architect
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