JUF NIENKE
SeARCH
Juf Nienke will be positioned at the entrance of Centrumeiland, where around 1500 houses (mostly self-built) will be constructed in the coming years. In fulfilling the ambitious environmental objectives of Centrumeiland, there was a particular focus on permeability and energy-neutrality in the design of Juf Nienke. The building will be connected to the shared heating network and will produce its own energy from solar panels along the Muiderlaan. An extensive green roof, an internal garden and planters on the meeting deck and along the galleries will ensure maximum water retention.
OPEN CITIES & RECYCLE ME • A collaboration of SeARCH, RAU and DS landscape architects has designed circular, prefabricated timber housing for Amsterdam’s latest man-made island; Centrumeiland of IJburg. The project named Juf Nienke will be one of the most sustainable apartment buildings in the Netherlands, incorporating an innovative cross-laminated timber construction. By using recycled materials exclusively, the apartment building is completely renewable with a low environmental impact.
“We believe a truly high-performance building is one that performs for the people that inhabit it and the environment that surrounds it.”
OPEN BUILDINGS & DIVERSITY • Located on the south side of Centrumeiland, with water views on two sides, Juf Nienke offers a diversity of housing types to satisfy a diverse group of residents. It accommodates 60 apartments with parking, retail and common facilities. Prefabricated modules are paired together or stacked up, to create larger dwellings and are varied in depth within the building section to provide private exterior space for the residents.
A low block of single-family homes sits to the north, a tall, long volume of apartments runs along Muiderlaan to the West and a smaller volume runs along the Strandlaan to the South. Lazy stairs from both sides lead residents through the block to a raised deck, offering a quiet meeting space that overlooks the inner garden.
Acknowledging the current demand for affordable housing, 50 % of the homes are allocated for the middle-income rental sector, geared in particular for those working in the public sector, like teachers.
Alongside 7.500 m2 of natural timber housing, Juf Nienke will offer common facilities that enhance communication and collaboration. These include shared workspaces, a homework assistance space, workshop spaces and a parcel collection point. In the hope of relinking the urban with the natural environment, the design of Juf Nienke pays special attention to the surrounding biodiversity and ecology, offering a bat hotel on the roof and nesting places for common swifts in the facade.
“Today, as we spend over 90% of our time indoors, designing a more natural built environment is crucial. Wood is, per definition, circular. Not only does it absorb CO2 as it grows, but by transforming it into a building material for our homes, a substantial amount of CO2 is forever stored it the structure and facade.”
OPEN SYSTEMS & MODULAR ADAPTION • The apartments of Juf Nienke are made up of a series of prefabricated timber modules, stacked up to create a cohesive unity. Prefabrication minimizes onsite construction time and as all modules are demountable, the building is able to adapt to future change of use, technology or site, making Juf Nienke a truly circular building.
“We are committed to revolutionizing the built environment through timber construction. We do not need more concrete blocks with overly complex systems that dictate the way we live. We need light, high-performance, sustainable timber structures, that are healthy for both the environment around them and the people that inhabit them.”
Project information
Locatie: Centrumeiland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Program: retail, housing, parking
Architect: SeARCH, RAU, DS Landscape Architects
Visit the project website here!
