Complexity and diversity characterize this urban renewal project in Dapperbuurt, a 19th century residential area in the east of Amsterdam. At three locations, two of which occupy the corner of a block, distinctly different housing programs have been realized: subsidized rentals, homes for sale and apartments for seniors, supported by an adjacent home for the elderly. Building such different housing types would have been complicated, had not previous office building experience helped.

As is usual in commercial construction, floors and outer walls are made of prefabricated concrete elements. The cladding consists of cement-bound panels and aluminum. Secondary constructions like staircases are made of steel, wood and glass. These unconventional materials are employed with due respect for the characteristics of local Amsterdam architecture. Vertical articulation, distinguishing a base, middle and top and at the corners, front and side, attest to that.

The timeless simplicity of the architecture is emphasized by using the flat façades as the base for two quotations from Dutch literature in super graphics. One is a well-known poem titled Simply happy in Dapper Street. An apt title for this project.

Editorials featuring Housing