The former business district of District West in Amsterdam Sloterdijk is undergoing an urban transformation. Benthem Crouwel Architects have taken on the planning of this comprehensive renovation project.
The ambitious transformation project involves the sustainable renewal of over 100,000 square meters of office and other spaces. The first phase of the project, the 15,700-square-meter DW02 Lighthouse office tower, was recently completed.
The building’s facade, in line with District West’s industrial aesthetic, features a functional grid and staggered terraces. The new extension, made entirely of wood, emphasizes the theme of sustainability. Large facade openings allow ample daylight to flood the interiors, creating warm and inviting spaces with wooden materials.
The new main entrance opens into a spacious atrium with a sculptural staircase leading to the upper floors. The transparency created by the open spaces visually connects the interior and exterior, fostering interaction and dynamism.
Wooden materials were chosen to align with the project’s themes of durability and sustainability, significantly reducing the building’s ecological footprint. Other sustainable features include a fully dismountable structure for reuse, stone paving instead of cement screed, and the WKO system to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, extensive green areas on roofs, terraces, and surrounding areas aim to enhance biodiversity, user well-being, and climate resilience.
This innovative wooden structure stands out as a reflection of Benthem Crouwel Architects’ vision of combining sustainability and modern architecture. The project contributes to Amsterdam’s dynamic urban transformation with its environmentally friendly features and aesthetic value.
