The Amsterdam neighbourhood of Oostenburg was created in the 17th century as a polder in the swamp on the IJ and became the centre of trade and industry for centuries.
With an eventful history in which prosperity and decline followed each other, the area has been transformed into a new residential part of Amsterdam for 3000 people.
This robust neighbourhood on the water consists of more than 1600 new-build homes, small creative businesses and offices, and restaurants and cafes, contrasting culture, heritage and new construction.
Completed, 2021
Designing a new building in an existing neighbourhood with a lot of industrial heritage creates obligations. OZ Architects, the office responsible for ‘De Vijzel’, was well aware of this when designing this building on Oostenburg Island.
De Vijzel is a durable apartment building with a typical Dutch signature. It can accommodate sixteen apartments, three maisonettes and a penthouse. The building with steel facades is built of circular concrete and exudes the industrial atmosphere of New York’s SoHo district with its abundance of glass and the light colour of the bricks.
In line with the City of Amsterdam’s mission to become the world’s first 100% circular city by 2050, OZ Architects added sustainable value to Oostenburg with De Vijzel, with reused materials as an important condition of this mission.
At Oostenburg, residents don’t have to worry about their ecological footprint. FRONT® (formerly StoneCycling) Nougat Raw WasteBasedBricks are used for the building facade. The stones are processed on the cleat, saving the amount of facade material used and producing a non-standard facade appearance.
Residents and users bring the outside world in by opening the facade over the full height and width via large patio doors, creating a maximum connection with the VOC quay. These so-called ‘blurring zones’ merge public and private space in this lively area with its industrial charm.
The inner garden acts as a green oasis in the middle of the city. All homes in De Vijzel have a direct connection to the lush courtyard. Systems that minimise energy consumption have also been implemented, without sacrificing comfort.
In 1661, the Dutch East India Company (VOC), then the world’s largest company, bought the island of Oostenburg. Shipyards and warehouses for precious spices from the East were built.
Oostenburg became the scene of machine factories such as the immense ‘Werkspoorhal from 1870 during the Industrial Revolution.
Due to its location, Oostenburg is easily accessible across the Zuiderzee (currently the IJsselmeer), and there is plenty of work in the shipyard and later in the factories. From 1973 onwards, diesel engines for trains and ships were made at Oostenburg until the post-war repairs and demand from colonies were over.
The factory halls at Oostenburg became vacant around 1995 and were used by creative companies such as film companies and artists.
Now, Oostenburg has changed into a new part of Amsterdam, and FRONT is proud to be part of the history of this unique area.
In partnership with FRONT (Formerly StoneCycling), we are able to give 28,952 kg of waste from construction and demolition a valuable new destination. This impact gives meaning to the Oostenburg project.
For all our developments, we are always looking for the most sustainable materials that have a positive impact on the world; After all, we create new living environments where people want to be.
In the design of a sustainable building, we did not want to compromise on aesthetics. With the WasteBasedBricks we have the best of both worlds: upcycled materials with a high aesthetic value that give the design an industrial look with a global character.
A soft yellow tone with a hint of warm pink. Nougat is the 21st-century answer to London Stock Bricks.
This project was realised with a product that is no longer in our main collection. For a similar product, please see above. Looking for something slightly different? With our Custom Made Service, it's possible to develop your own bespoke brick or brick slip.
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