In 2018 LAA was commissioned to build a social housing block with 33 apartments in the city center of Amsterdam after winning a restricted competition for young architects.

The building budget was very tight.

The plot was very wide and deep.

We proposed a simple scheme which could also be transformed into big apartments if required in the future.

A very clear grid organizes the units in a symmetrical way. This grid allows combining four 3room apartments in one floor or six 2room apartments, without altering the clear rhythm in the facade.

The upper floor as it has a 360∫ facade gave us the opportunity to design panorama apartments overlooking the city.

The facade has a strong rhythm due to the repetition of its perforations.

A beautiful pattern made of glazed bricks is applied to all facades. This element together with the different depths of the openings creates a very vibrant facade.

SUMMARY

Location: Amsterdam, NL

Area: 3200 m²

Program: 33 apartments and bike storage

Architect: Laura Alvarez Architecture B.V.

Team: Laura Alvarez, Oihane Garcia Meneses, Chinouk Jongerius, Aleksandra Shopova

Year: 2018-ongoing

Status: Under construction