‘FLOATING’ SLUISHUS WELCOMES FIRST RESIDENTS IN AMSTERDAM

Located on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the 49.000 m2 ‘floating’ neighborhood with public roofscapes and riverwalks reinterprets the classic courtyard typology for life on the water. Developed by Amsterdam-based joint venture VORM/BESIX, the mixed-use development Sluishuis in the neighborhood of IJburg Steigereiland is officially completed following four years of construction. Designed by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group and Barcode Architects, Sluishuis brings 442 zero-energy owner-occupied and rented homes, a public rooftop garden and walkway, and a comprehensive water-quality program with space for up to 30 houseboats to the area. “Having spent my formative years as an architect in Holland at the end of the 20th century, it feels like a homecoming to get to contribute to the architecture of the city that I have loved and admired for so long. Our Sluishuis is conceived as a city block of downtown Amsterdam floating in the IJ Lake, complete with all aspects of city life. Towards the city, the building kneels down to invite visitors to climb its roof and enjoy the panoramic view of the new neighborhoods on the IJ. Toward the water, Sluishuis rises from the river, opening a gigantic gate for boats to enter and dock in the port/yard. A building inside the port, with a port inside the building.”