The new construction project Eerste Oosterparkstraat 88-126 by housing corporation Stadgenoot has won the Amsterdam New Construction Prize 2020. The project received nearly 20 percent of the votes. Oosterparkstraat 88-126 consists of 16 new buildings constructed in a historically responsible manner. In addition to 39 rental homes, a supermarket and 1,000 square meters of other retail space have also been realized. Alderman Laurens Ivens (Construction and Housing) and Fries Heinis of Bouwend Nederland presented the award on Saturday afternoon, June 20, to the residents, Stadgenoot, builder Heijmans, and Rappagne & Partners Architects.
"This is a beautiful project that you can barely tell is new construction," said alderman Ivens shortly after the award ceremony. "The buildings look like they've been here since 1900 and only received a refresh. Local residents were well involved in the plans and the result is impressive. It's wonderful to see that we can still build affordable housing beautifully, even in a difficult location like this, above the shops. Living here is almost enviable." According to Fries Heinis of Bouwend Nederland, the project, with its 'historicizing' style, does justice to the beautiful streetscape. "But it's certainly not always easy," Heinis noted. "With this project too, the balance between authenticity and modern quality had to be constantly considered. The end result is beautiful. With this project, both the architect and the builder demonstrate pure craftsmanship."
The project consists of 16 new buildings constructed in a historically responsible manner. There are 39 rental homes. 13 of these are social housing units, 6 of which are for large families (over 100 square meters). The remaining 26 homes are free-sector rental properties. The original buildings from the late nineteenth century that stood on this site were too low, too narrow, and too small. The neighborhood indicated a need for a large supermarket, shops, and social housing. At the same time, local residents and politicians did not want to demolish the buildings. Demolition and reconstruction in the same style were negotiable, and that is what happened, with some additions. For instance, the ground floor was raised, and additional floors were added. The homes also have a shared entrance with a stairwell and an elevator. All in all, the character of the street has been preserved thanks to the new construction. Special elements from the old buildings, such as wall anchors, balcony railings, and natural stone decorations, have been reused.
"We wanted to create authentic Amsterdam homes in this location," says Patrick Barské of Stadgenoot. "And we have succeeded, entirely in the style of the beautiful Oosterpark neighborhood. These had to be homes built with craftsmanship. And homes that are appreciated by the people who live in them: our tenants. That was our goal, and we achieved it."
The Amsterdam New Construction Award is the public award for new construction in Amsterdam. This was the twelfth time the award was presented. This edition focused on new construction projects completed in Amsterdam between August 2018 and August 2019. In the first round, a public jury of 137 Amsterdam residents nominated the 10 most appealing out of 50 new construction projects. Those 10 projects competed in the final. In it, everyone could vote via www.amsterdamwoont.nl/newbuildprice vote for his or her favorite project. In total, nearly 7,500 people voted. That is almost 40 percent more than last year. The full results are as follows:
1. Eerste Oosterparkstraat 88-126: 20%
2. Ferry Pier: 14%
3. Urban Garden: 11%
4. CPO Science Park: 11%
5. CPO De Hallen – Let’s Go for De Hallen: 11%
6. The Starlings: 9%
7. Change=II: 8%
8. The Stilt-Walker: 7%
9. De Vrije Kade Phase 2: 5%
10. Coubertin: 4%
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