BrinkToren: striking finishing touch of Amsterdam-Overhoeks

In Amsterdam-North, the first energy-positive residential tower in the Netherlands is springing up: BrinkToren. With the realization of this 28-story, 90-meter-high residential tower, the high-rise strip on Amsterdam-Overhoeks will receive a striking finishing touch. From 2025, about 600 residents and neighbors will be able to live, work, study and relax here to their hearts' content. The sustainable and green BrinkToren stands out because of, among other things, the vertical EnergyFacade solar panels by Saint Gobain on the solar facades, in combination with the flashings, facade cladding and aluminum composite cassettes by Aldowa.

BrinkToren is an initiative and development of Xior Student Housing (Xior BrinkToren NV), DubbeLL neighborhood developers, Ymere and Gemeentelijk Vastgoed (housing corporation). The striking residential tower was designed by Mecanoo, while Cordeel Amsterdam VOF is responsible for its realization. On behalf of this contractor, Aldowa will provide all ventilated facade parts of BrinkToren. 

Prefabricated assembly of the facade

"Besides the installation of the solar panels, our assignment consists of the delivery and assembly of the facade insulation, flashings, facade cladding and aluminum composite cassettes," says Martien Trouborst, project manager at Aldowa. "What is special is that the assembly of the facades is not done on site, but almost entirely prefabricated at concrete builder Loveld in Aalter, Belgium. Here we work according to a fixed sequence, where first of all the flashings are applied to the set frames and to the bottom and top of the façade elements. This is followed by the rear construction (the anchors) of the PV panels, after which the facade is insulated with 220 mm Mupan Facade glass wool board. Finally, we mount the rails of the PV panels and the EnergyFacade solar panels are hung."

In accordance with Scope12

The energy for the BrinkTower will be generated by over 1,800 PV panels, including 750 PV panels on the solar facades. In order to properly integrate these PV panels into the facade, Aldowa is coordinating the work closely with Saint Gobain and installer Homij. "The grounding and electrical cabling of the BIPV elements is connected according to the installers' instructions and checked according to Scope12 requirements," Trouborst says. "Then Vorsselmans NV takes care of the facades and glazing, after which the assembled elements are transported to the construction site in Amsterdam-North ready and just-in-time. Here they are lifted directly from the trucks to the correct positions in the building. The interconnection of the BIPV in the work is then taken care of by the installer."

Specific radius

By now (end of October; ed.) the façade closure has progressed to floor 7. From the beginning of 2025, Aldowa will start work on the abutting elements for the low-rise buildings, such as the aluminum composite panels in the courtyard garden, on the balconies and on galleries, Trouborst says. "In addition, various profile panels are being applied to the facades of the courtyard garden, the plinth and part of the low-rise buildings. Particularly special here are the rounded corners of the building, which require a specific bending radius of the profile plates and flashings. In mid-2025, we will deliver the final work."

Those who realize dreams are seen

Special lines, exceptional architecture and high-profile facades: whatever dream clients in architecture, construction and infra have: Aldowa makes the wildest ideas come true. "No job is too big and no idea too complex," Trouborst emphasizes. "We are constantly pushing the boundaries of technology, material and architecture. Moreover, we find a suitable solution for every assembly challenge. BrinkToren is a great calling card for this."