The Boetzelaer, Amsterdam
Allard van der Hoek

The Boetzelaer - a fabric of steel and stone, Amsterdam

M3H as Architects

Amsterdam’s Staatsliedenbuurt is a former working-class neighbourhood with a great deal of social housing that was established in about 1900. The construction of the original buildings often left much to be desired, and many of the old buildings have been replaced. M3H built a housing project earlier in this area, on Van Beuningen Street. The Boetzelaer is a new building designed for the corner of Boetzelaer Square, Fannius Scholten Street and Hogendorp Street, containing 47 new rental units for the elderly, two corner units for commercial use and an underground parking garage. The façade is composed of vertical brick columns braced by horizontal steel beams, and, like its original, reveals its structural engineering, fabrication and its differing elements. French balconies and air vents are carefully shaped steel elements that enliven the exterior. The corners and entrances of the building are distinct and great attention has been given to the details of windows, doors, railings, dormers and grates. Each housing unit is wheelchair accessible via an arcade on the courtyard side. Here the steel construction and wooden floors create an informal atmosphere. The arcades have been widened at the entrances to each apartment so that they can be used as meeting and outdoor spaces. The new building is a contemporary interpretation of its late nineteenth-century surroundings and has a vibrant and contemporary look. The new building, together with a newly designed playground, gives the neighbourhood a positive boost.

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More