Bullfinch

• 93 rental homes for young people (partly housing in a protected environment)
• District Noord

The Goudvink is a striking residential building in Amsterdam-Noord with a commercial plinth and 93 small apartments for first-time home buyers. The apartments range in size from 20 to 38 m2. Some of the homes are offered as youth housing. In addition, there are homes in a protected environment for young adult men and women aged 18 to 27 who have experienced a first psychosis. For this group, The Goudvink is an innovative, non-stigmatizing housing project.

Living
A portion of the homes is intended for young home seekers at the beginning of their housing journey. Just finished their studies or training, starting a first job, on their own for the first time. They receive a rental contract for a maximum of 5 years and can then move on to another home.

De Goudvink offers support and protection for independent living. Arkin provides psychiatric care, housing corporation Ymere provides the housing, and HVO-Querido provides the guidance. Residents of De Goudvink can progress to independent living.

Shared outdoor spaces
The apartments are organized around a quiet and green inner area, which serves as the central collective space of the project. Instead of individual outdoor spaces, extra-wide galleries have been created that also function as collective, sheltered outdoor spaces. Residents can easily meet each other in the inner courtyard and on a shared roof terrace.

Architecture
Within the strict building envelope set by the municipality, a stepped volume has been created that scales up to a maximum of nine stories on the prominent corner of Klaprozenweg and Ridderspoorweg, giving the building a distinct identity. The building marks the entrance to the new Buiksloterham neighborhood. By placing the height accent at the intersection and keeping the side wings low, the inner courtyard is maximally oriented toward the sun and traffic noise is shielded.

A stepped, recessed niche in the partially noise-exposed exterior facade accentuates the main entrance of the building. The transparent plinth visually connects the rugged urban exterior with the soft, tranquil interior world.