KEES CHRISTIAANSE

Architects: KCAP

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Year: 2009

Images/text from: https://www.kcap.eu/en/

By the Architects:

A former dock area along the banks of Amsterdam’s IJ waterway is transformed into a high-density residential and business area. On the site known as 'De Pakhuysen' (The Warehouses), gigantic warehouses are a reminder of the time when the area was still a functioning port. Some have fallen into disuse and are dilapidated, while others have been thoroughly renovated and given a new lease on life. 

In between these historic warehouses, new blocks form a differentiated complex of interlocking buildings that maintain the views through to the IJ. The complex accommodates a mixed programme, ranging from offices and live/work lofts to luxury apartments and subsidized rental housing. The buildings stand on a shared base containing a car park, and the entrances are set along a narrow, oblong plaza which creates a connecting spine between old and new. As well as drawing up the urban development plan, KCAP designed the car park and two of the four sculptural blocks.

Architects: KCAP

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Year: 2002 - 2006

Images/text from: https://www.kcap.eu/en/

By the Architects:

A former dock area along the banks of Amsterdam’s IJ waterway is transformed into a high-density residential and business area. On the site known as 'De Pakhuysen' (The Warehouses), gigantic warehouses are a reminder of the time when the area was still a functioning port. Some have fallen into disuse and are dilapidated, while others have been thoroughly renovated and given a new lease on life. 

In between these historic warehouses, new blocks form a differentiated complex of interlocking buildings that maintain the views through to the IJ. The complex accommodates a mixed programme, ranging from offices and live/work lofts to luxury apartments and subsidized rental housing. The buildings stand on a shared base containing a car park, and the entrances are set along a narrow, oblong plaza which creates a connecting spine between old and new. As well as drawing up the urban development plan, KCAP designed the car park and two of the four sculptural blocks.

Architects: KCAP

Location: Amsterdam, Ijburg

Year: 1999 - 2006

Images/text from: https://www.kcap.eu/en/

By the Architects: 

Block 11 is one component of the plans for Haveneiland and Rietlanden West in Amsterdam’s new residential district of IJburg. It is a variation on the traditional residential block. A canal bisects the block transversally, dividing it into two halves that open up towards the water.

The dwellings, business accommodation and care facilities are organized in a series of clusters that form the building blocks for Block 11. It combines the typology of the urban home with that of dwellings around a courtyard, resulting in a block with an urban look on the outside and a peaceful and private living environment within.

KCAP devised the urban development plan for Block 11 and also designed a number of the clusters of buildings.

Architects: KCAP

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Year: 1999 - 2003

Images/text from: https://www.kcap.eu/en/

By the Architects:

The so-called ‘Perlenkette’ (string of pearls) was developed as a series of massive buildings with open areas along the River Elbe overlooking the Holzhafen (‘Timber Docks’) and is as part of Hamburg’s waterfront development since the 1980's. Within this series, at 'Holzhafen', an ensemble of three buildings present a similar outline plan. The counterparting East and West office buildings are monumental, deep buildings with inner courts and openings that ensure continued contact between the River Elbe and the city. Between them, the ‘Kristall’ residential tower will soar above its surroundings like a jewel of cut crystal.The East office building has been realised as the first of the three during the initial phase of construction in Holzhafen. Seen from the water it looks domineeringly unambiguous and large-scale, from the street side it has a smaller scale and a more differentiated character. The combination of light orange, turf stone brick with transparent sections of steel and glass alludes to the old warehouses in the port area. The building consists of four volumes set perpendicular to the river and connected by bridges. Seven office floors meander around open internal spaces so that its users have different views towards the Elbe from each office space. In the entrance halls, gigantic glazed walls offer a majestic view. The ground floor provides space for restaurants, shops and maritime functions.