Allard architecture has made a design proposal for a series of (three) mixed use buildings totaling more than 10.000m² (excluding parking) to integrate work, studio and living space into a seemingly isolated strip of land in the centre of Amsterdam

Part of the process to achieve this goal involved making a request to amend the city of Amsterdam’s zoning plan. This formal written proposal aims to adapt the urban structure of the city in which building height and function are dictated, to enable the Zeeburgerpad to become a vibrant urban living, working and recreational environment.

Interpreting this strip from a larger scale, the Zeeburgerpad is perceived and located through its attachment to the city on its western point. Running on an east, west axis this tongue-like piece of land is anchored by a large windmill that acts as a strong marker and point of reference for the surrounding area.

Acknowledging this significant structure, the massing of the building on the most western, adjacent site is designed to flip its axis by 90 degrees to run in parallel with the strip of land and create an opening gesture to the windmill and city beyond.

The other sites of the Zeeburgerpad scheme are surrounded by existing industrial units and have required a design strategy that is not only able to provide work, studio and living spaces, but will also allow future redevelopment of the remaining industrial interlocking sites.

The other sites of the Zeeburgerpad scheme are surrounded by existing industrial units and have required a design strategy that is not only able to provide work, studio and living spaces, but will also allow future redevelopment of the remaining industrial interlocking sites.

Allard Architecture have developed a responsive strategy to the brief whereby new maisonette housing typologies remain on the urban grid to meet this strict criteria, whilst voids and courtyards are introduced to allow private sunlit external spaces for every unit. Within the roof structure low embodied energy materials are used as solar collectors providing low consumption heating solutions for the buildings.