Project developer KondorWessels Vastgoed has won the tender for the development of plot 19 in Amsterdam’s Buiksloterham district with its plan entitled ‘Sample’. Based on a design by Space&Matter, Mecanoo, ZUS and Verdedig Noord, the plan comprises three circular building blocks with a total LFA of approximately 48,000 m2, made up of private sector owner-occupied housing, mid-market rented housing, social rented housing and productive industries. The option agreement was recently signed with the City of Amsterdam. The City of Amsterdam was particularly impressed by the circularity in the development concept, which plays on the idea of sampling, a term used in hip-hop in which existing elements are combined to create new music.
In hip-hop, sampling is all about sharing, reusing and recreating. The concept for the development of plot 19 has been inspired by the basic tenets of this musical genre. In this project, the principle of sampling is not only being applied to the building’s architecture, but also for the associated programming and use. Sample is set to become a blueprint for the circular society.
Partnership with local parties
Sample is a partnership between KondorWessels Vastgoed, Verdedig Noord, Space&Matter, Mecanoo, ZUS, Metabolic, Finch Buildings, TRAJECT Adviseurs & Managers, Arup and Sweco. Ultimately, Sample will be home to around 357 households. The building blocks, located between Papaverweg and the Johan van Hasseltkanaal, will feature a range of housing types and outdoor spaces, some with waterside views. In addition to a variety of roof gardens and courtyard gardens, there will be 17 communal areas that unite the worlds of residents and users.
Solidarity, mutuality, shared responsibility and hospitality lie at the heart of this development. But a circular society cannot be developed on paper alone. It needs to grow from the community grass roots. This is why KondorWessels Vastgoed and Space&Matter are partnering with a large number of successful local organisations, such as Common City Development and Verdedig Noord, a residents’ organisation from Amsterdam-Noord that works to combat gentrification in the city. Some of these will ultimately have a prominent place within the complex. Verdedig Noord will ensure that their programming succeeds in also involving other local initiatives. The activities and partnerships that emerge from this concept will provide added value for residents and businesses from the surrounding districts in Amsterdam-Noord.
Credits image: Sample | KondorWessels Vastgoed, Space&Matter, Mecanoo, ZUS | render: Vivid-Vision