Radius in the Sluisbuurt: A Precedent in Biobased
Radius is rising in the heart of the Sluisbuurt. Radius is inspired by the place, in particular the Oergeul below Amsterdam. The sedimentary layers of the Oergeul formed the building blocks for the dikes, quay walls and roads in today’s Amsterdam. The sediments of the Oergeul show a characterising seasonal stratification with alternating clay and sand layers. We see this stratification as inspiration for the layering of the rammed earth in the plinth of Radius in particular.
Just as below the surface, a layered landscape emerges above ground in the Sluisbuurt with an earthy plinth and a slim timber tower. Radius fits into the existing silhouette of the Sluisbuurt: the urban plinth is continued in earth-like materials and the tower seeks out a degree of tension: on the one hand it conforms to the existing towers and on the other hand it presents its own unique character.
Much like beneath the surface, a multi-layered landscape rises above ground in De Sluisbuurt The plinth of Radius (or the podium) is a robust base consisting of natural materials: rammed earth and clay brick. A green and intimate courtyard garden has been ‘carved’ into the robust earthlike plinth: a sheltered place for rest and gathering. A communal terrace is embedded on the west façade, from where you can enjoy views and sun. The terrace contributes to recognizability, a strong identity and communicates with cargo ships in the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal.
A compact tower rises in the centre of the stage. In this compact - almost cylindrical - tower, floors can be flexibly arranged with 4, 6 or 8 apartments, with wide views and outdoor space. The tower is designed with a uniform façade that emphasizes the sculpturality, with subtle variation in the façade openings.
The layering of the site is also reflected in the dynamic façade of the tower: The outer shell of the balconies serves as a second skin and has three functions: (1) creates outdoor spaces for residents, (2) provides protection for the cylindrical tower and the wooden façade cladding, and (3) frames the view without interrupting it. Overhangs for passive sun protection are designed for orientation and all around so that lateral solar radiation is also limited.
A special feature of the design is the low climate impact thanks to the constructive use of timber: from the ground floor, the building is erected in a flexible column-beam structure and even the elevator cores are realized in CLT! Radius distinguishes itself by very low CO₂ emissions, local origin of materials and is designed for disassembly, the design is adaptive and can be adjusted to demand and life stage.
Even the elevator cores are realized in CLT!
The west façade has a stepped structure in rammed clay and loam stone, with a green gorge in the middle where a semi-covered collective roof terrace with pergola is located, with views and evening sun, which contributes to the distinctive character of Radius. The south façade is an urban and robust façade, and marks the Water Square.
The floor plans are designed on all sides thanks to a flexible grid of column and beam structure, including two-sided oriented apartments, corner houses and two-sided studios.
The compact timber core ensures little material use and more light and air in the apartments.
In particular, the neighborhood café on the southwest corner will be an inviting and special place on the Waterplein. Playing, coming together and meeting flow into each other. The commercial spaces are a natural extension of the public space. The neighbourhood café/the city room on the corner is defined by a façade with deep recesses with curves contribute to a strong sculpture and characteristic plinth. With their mass and plasticity the heavy columns emphasize the openness and transparency of the large façade openings.
The double-height internal route and the collective living spaces form a sequence of places with various qualities: From intimate and sheltered to open and inviting. The colonnade on the collective courtyard garden is inspired by The Cloisters in New York and offers shelter from wind and rain and filters the daylight. This creates a sheltered, semi-enclosed outdoor space for meeting, relaxation, cooling and contemplation.
The internal north-south corridor at ground level has generous proportions and a gentle-sloped staircase. Influenced by the The Painted Hall, Chatsworth, the spatial heart invokes an almost public character. Diffuse daylight from the courtyard garden accompanies the route and makes orientation and the use of the collective spaces intuitive.
From the communal kitchen, the residents of Radius can easily walk outside. Here you can enjoy the evening sun and panoramic views over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. Inspired by Parco dei Principi, this space is adaptable to its surroundings and focuses on the quality of the landscape.
Rammed earth and earth blocks form the robust, tactile podium of the façade. The rammed earth has a layered texture and earth tones that refer to the geology of the Sluisbuurt. At the same time, the robust podium contributes to passive sun protection, thermal comfort and a stable indoor climate through thermal buffering. Earth blocks gives the plinth a warm, crafted appearance, and reinforce the plasticity of the façade through deep reveals and shadows, and provides thermal buffering and acoustic comfort, which anchors the building architecturally to the Waterplein on the south.
The design of the roof gardens ties in with the natural vegetation along the dike. Solitary shrubs grow along the roof edges that provide a favourable wind climate and make the nature-inclusive character of Radius visible at street level.
