In this building, called “Amsterdam South Connection,” the technical installations for the district heating system of Amsterdam are located. Surrounded by roads, railways, and a subway, it is subterraneously connected to large parts of the city. Supervisors Ton Schaap and Paco Bunnik of the municipality of Amsterdam envisioned a firm and clear gesture: the traveler coming from the airport should instantly recognize the city.
A huge water buffer is enclosed by the lower parts of the building, forming one sculptural shell of semi-transparent glass, with anonymous perforated plates beneath the two ascending glass strips. The floor plan is an isosceles triangle with identically rounded corners. The roofs are covered with solar panels. The roof of the control room at the top remains precisely under the airport radar.
The floor-to-ceiling grilles accentuate the technology. The 5.100 m² of glass provides a view of the technology and also creates a light interior where technicians can work safely. In February 2023, the building was awarded the Dutch National Glass Award and the Dutch National Steel Prize in 2024.
Credits
Architecture
Schutter-ETH; Willem Schutter
Client
Vattenfall N.V.
Year of completion
2023
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Total area
3.000 m2
Site area
4.500 m2
Photos
Teo Krijgsman
Project Partners
Civil engineer: Strackee BV
Head contractor: Equans Nederland
Civil contractor: Friso Bouwgroep
Steel construction: Kampstaal
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