This strip at the tip of Westerdokseiland concerns the second phase in the development of Noord I. AWG Architects views architecture as "making intelligent ruins" and therefore sought a timeless formal language and robust materials. The facade is designed as calmly as possible: windows and doors form holes in the walls in a repetitive rhythm. The complex features a partially covered internal street. The residential floors are built on a plinth, which houses the entrances to the residences and commercial spaces. The apartments in the narrower section have panoramic views of the IJ and the Westerdok.
For the discussion of this candidate for the Amsterdam New Construction Prize, we are going back to Westerdokseiland. This time to that dangerously sharp point pointing directly north.
“A very complex location to develop,” describes Wienke Bodewes (58), director of Amvest, the developer that, together with housing association Ymere, built this part of Westerdokseiland under the name Hofmakerij. “You have to deal with two sides. The IJ has a completely different dynamic than the Western Islands. The architect has resolved that very carefully. The view on both sides has been optimally utilized.” That architect is Christine de Ruijter (42), director of Antwerp-based AWG Architecten. She also designed for the Eastern Docklands and IJburg. Laughing: “I’ve built more in Amsterdam than in Antwerp!”
She also calls this a unique project: “On the edge of the city center, with a view of the IJ. You won't easily find a spot like that in the city.” But the floor plan wasn't easy. “You really had to figure out what was possible on such a plot. You want to give all homes a beautiful view.” In addition, the problem was that construction had to be done with a high density of homes, and also with a mix of all housing types. In Westerkaap, 30 percent are social rentals, 15 percent free rentals, and 55 percent owner-occupied.
The main goal, says De Ruijter: "This building must age beautifully. Of course, you're influenced by fashion, but you primarily want to strive for a certain timelessness." For the residents, it's clear that the architect succeeded in that assignment; they gave it a rating of 8.8. The jury also found this a super project. "The dual aspect view is fantastic," sighs Riet de Graaf. "Nothing to fault," concludes William Kobossen.
This is how Jan Joost Peskens (62) and Anetty Werther (61) are experiencing their home. And rightly so, because Werther didn't want to leave their previous place on the Brouwersgracht at all. "We lived there for thirty years. It was simply masterful there, with a garden too," says Werther. "We had no plans to move at all. But I always enjoy looking at something new," Peskens counters. "The Brouwersgracht was old and required too much maintenance. This is suitable for all life stages. I had informed myself about the plans for Westerkaap. And when it went on sale, there was a lottery." Werther: "I said: go ahead and enter, because with 120 applicants, we won't win anyway. But on this floor, we were second, and the number one dropped out."
They bought a 156-square-meter apartment with a row of windows overlooking the IJ and a balcony on the Westerdok, with views of the Realeneiland. They paid 680,000 euros, including a parking space in the garage. "Ultimately, Jan Joost made the right decision," his wife admits. "This house is so beautifully bright and has a lot of space. And it's close to our old place... I still think about the Brouwersgracht. But I wouldn't want to move back."
Receive updates on new construction in the region directly in your email
