Klaasje as a shining center in her surroundings

The five buildings contain 146 residences, each with its own outdoor space to make the most of the surroundings. And yet, the design is particularly compact in layout. LEVS architects designed the new building commissioned by BPD and De Nijs Projectontwikkeling.

The five Klaasje apartment buildings result from an earlier, adjacent project where a residential care complex was built (planning area A). When the old nursing home was demolished, a piece of land became available that gave rise to the new project (plan area B). LEVS architects used the municipality's master plan in the development so that the urban design of both projects would become one. The new apartments are primarily intended for seniors. They can rent or buy here.

"It was crucial that the design form an ensemble with the earlier project, which, incidentally, we were not involved in," says architect and partner Adriaan Mout. One challenge was the compact area, where the buildings would be close together. "The area is car-free and there is a parking garage under the entire plan. This makes residents feel like they are in a park. Interesting sightlines and beautiful vistas have been created and there is a central square where people can meet."

Looking at the environment and privacy

The buildings are similar and complementary, yet different. To arrive at this design, the architects looked at the surroundings and, of course, the wishes of the municipality. "From the municipality's plan, light colors came up and in the surroundings there are many houses with brick and concrete. So we chose a lot of glass, horizontal articulations and balconies and light, chic bricks. We created an elevation in bronze-colored aluminum cladding. The bricks and cladding complement each other and both respond beautifully to the light," says architect and project manager Ron Bruin.    

The bright buildings are complemented by green surroundings, with attention paid to residents' privacy, Mout explained. Shelter was created in the homes through the placement of the balconies. "These are placed half inward and half outward. In addition, the buildings have different heights. Each building has a brick facade on the lower levels. Above that, the facades have aluminum sheets with a special point profile. They soften the massiveness, creating a dynamic play. According to the sun revolving around it, the plan is alive. It becomes a bit more intimate as a result."

Sustainability

The ambitions in terms of quality and appearance were as high as in terms of sustainability. The building is completely gas-free. It uses district heating, there are PV panels on the roofs and it uses balanced ventilation. Brown: "In terms of materials, we also looked at materials that will last a long time, require little maintenance and will only become more beautiful with time. There are also plans to install charging stations for electric cars."

Connection

The result consists of sustainable, high-quality homes with great differentiation organized in a compact ensemble. "It is a pleasant place to live. It will be a pleasant neighborhood where the residents are connected to each other. We have therefore looked beyond the building alone and therefore it fits Amstelveen well," said Bruin.  

Project info

Specialists support the general contractor

Rinkel & Smit is the construction partner that supports clients in realizing their projects. The company puts its skilled specialists to work, depending on the nature and scope of the project. The 85 flexible employees specialize in various disciplines, both for renovations and new construction. What they all have in common is their commitment, ambition and efficiency.

In the Klaasje Zevenster project, Rinkel & Smit was responsible for the carpentry work on the facades. The professionals placed the timber frame elements and the rear construction for the facade cladding. Inside, they installed the baseboards. The work covered a period of more than a year, says Jan Willem Smit. "We are a specialized contractor and do a lot of facades. With this we support the main contractor. We work more often for Bouwcombinatie De Nijs. We were also involved in the first phase of the Klaasje Zevenster project. For us it was a great project, especially in terms of cooperation. Here again we are showing something beautiful together."

Construction Info

Development and implementation BPD in cooperation with VOF De Nijs
Architect LEVS architects, Amsterdam
Landscape Design BuroScope, Heerhugowaard
WTW units Steboma, Beverwijk
Construction period January 2019 - April 2021