LEVS Stepstone05 foto Ossip van Duivenbode min

Stepstone

The compact home as a design challenge

Stepstone, Amsterdam Zuidas

Residential tower Stepstone shows that it is possible to build up high and to live well in the social sector. In the heart of Kenniskwartier Zuidas in Amsterdam, we design for De Key housing corporation 216 social rental homes for starters up to the age of 28. This combination is the first of it's kind in this district. Residents can meet in the double-height communal area downstairs and exercise on the roof. The all-sided tower with balconies all around subtly plays with the classic construction of plinth, substructure, superstructure and crown. A coherent whole that never becomes monotonous.

Overlooking a new city district

Five building blocks will be created between the central axis of Mahlerlaan and the parallel ring road A10, the first of which is the large and centrally located Eastern Development Field. The U-shaped building block embraces a spacious communal courtyard with a parceled plan and three towers. Along the north side stand the two towers of residential building De Puls, by VMX Architects and MVSA architects. On the south side, the 80 meter high Stepstone is the third tower. Each has its own character, clearly responsive to the other two. On a larger scale, this continues the checkerboard pattern of staggered high-rise buildings that is so characteristic of the Zuidas.

 

A timeless urban character

Five building blocks will be created between the central axis of Mahlerlaan and the parallel ring road A10, the first of which is the large and centrally located Eastern Development Field. The U-shaped building block embraces a spacious communal courtyard with a parceled plan and three towers. Along the north side stand the two towers of residential building De Puls, by VMX Architects and MVSA architects. On the south side, the 80 meter high Stepstone is the third tower. Each has its own character, clearly responsive to the other two. On a larger scale, this continues the checkerboard pattern of staggered high-rise buildings that is so characteristic of the Zuidas.

Sports at 80 meters, meet-ups in the courtyard

On the street, a double-height passage connects the front to an inner courtyard, via a communal meeting space for residents. The shared space is a special feature. Residents can freely use it to meet up, organise events or work. The roof terrace offers room for sports, with spectacular views through the high glass fronts all-around. The façade ends in a more formal, straight crown at the front, while at the rear it is tapered and staggered to create a softer transition to the inner courtyard.

A high-quality living environment for young Amsterdammers

With 216 social housing apartments for starters up to 28 years old, this is a unique type of residential building for this location. Great care was taken in producing a smart layout of the apartments, ranging from 25 to 60 square meters, with maisonettes in the crown. In addition, almost all apartments have a balcony, despite it not being a necessary requirement. With a view to the future, the construction and installations have been designed in such a way that it is possible to transform the apartments into larger homes.

 

Info

Client
Woonstichting Lieven De Key
Program
12,900 m² GFA with 216 social housing apartments for starters, communal meeting space, communal roof voor sports, indoor bicycle- and scooter parking
Design
Adriaan Mout, Jurriaan van Stigt, Marianne Loof, Christiaan Schuit, Surya Steijlen
Projectteam
Natalia Yakovleva, Marijn Luijmes, Ingeborg van Lent, Maikel Blouw
Location
Amsterdam Zuidas
Year
2020 – 2023
Contractor
VORM Bouw
Photography
Ossip van Duivenbode, LEVS architecten, Silent disco: Shot by Lola (Marloes Lakerveld)