Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo has won a competition to design a new sustainable and vibrant vertical neighbourhood in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Named Brink Tower, the 90-metre high tower will be "a real eye-catcher" with 28 floors and will, after completion, accommodate approximately 400 new residents.

The new tower is situated in a prime location and easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station via the ferry service, forms the connection between the Van der Pek neighbourhood and Overhoeks.

The Brink Tower will soon become a green, sustainable and vibrant vertical neighbourhood, with a great diversity of homes that will accommodate a diverse group of people who will be able to live, work, study, do business and relax in a pleasant way. And all this in a green and healthy environment. 

The plan offers a solution to the dire shortage of high-quality housing for young professionals, starters, young couples, (international) students and researchers in Amsterdam.

The plans of the project consist of approximately 400 homes, including 120 social rental homes (among the social rental limit), 30 care homes, a meeting space for the neighbourhood and more than 250 rental properties in the middle segment. 

The Brink Tower will have an attractive plinth, with entrances and homes, various retail facilities including catering and local shops.

In addition to the investments in social quality and the health of future residents of Brink Tower, the technical concept of this high-rise building itself is also extremely sustainable. 

An EPC score of less than 0 is achieved through the combination of numerous PV cells on the various roofs, terraces and facades and the realization of additional sustainability facilities.

In addition, the various terraces and roofs are equipped with so-called polder roofs, which means that water storage can take place and green enclaves can be created. 

The collected rainwater is reused during the growing season to water these roof gardens. Furthermore, efforts are also being made to achieve sustainable mobility by providing electric shared cars and bicycles.

The sleek and elegant tower has been specially designed to allow as much interaction as possible between all residents from the different housing types, as well as new residents and the existing inhabitants of the surrounding area. 

The various retail facilities, common areas and the meeting place provide an inviting character, which is further enhanced by the green environment around the tower and the various terraces that the building has.

Project facts

Status: Ongoing

Project Design: 2019 – 2020

Project Realisation: 2022 - 2025

Address: Overhoeks, Amsterdam

Design Team: Xior team, consisting of DubbeLL neighbourhood developers, Mecanoo, Merosch, Dakdokters, Pim Evers, WeDriveSolar, Van Rossum and Nelissen Ingenieurs.

Programme: 400 homes, including 120 social rental homes, 30 care homes, a meeting space for the neighbourhood and more than 250 rental properties in the middle segment.

Awards: 1st Prize Competition

All images courtesy of Mecanoo

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