NL architects: siloo o

'siloo o' by NL architects in amsterdam, the netherlands
all images courtesy NL architects


a second proposal for the reuse and design of a silo on the island of zeeburgereiland, 'siloo o' by
dutch practice NL architects is an indoor and outdoor world-class venue for climbing and mountaineering
in amsterdam, the netherlands. while the team lost the initial competition for the project back in 2009,
plans for an office building was abandoned for one of the three silos which created a new opportunity for
the realization of the earlier scheme. the updated design features extrusions on its facade to provide
outdoor overhangs as well as balconies.



exterior view


located adjacent to one another on a rectangular plot, the 42m-tall design is wrapped in a triangulated
exterior which has been manipulated to create moments of extension.  the silo was intentionally
approached as a sculptural object to make transparent the individual identity and program of each storage
tower. as the structure rises, the triangular motif results in glazed apertures, creating windows with
views of the surrounding site.



view from street


the interior climbing space is a tapering cave which rises to a height of 20 meters. natural daylight
is gained through a large window while an opening at the top leads in to the boulder room.
the higher storeys accommodate office space for sports and climbing-related businesses.

to create cohesion between the three autonomous structures, the plot is transformed into a continuous
green carpet which has been raised at certain points  as a three-dimensional park. ground-level boulders
and playground surround the foot of the building, providing a dynamic public realm for the neighbourhood.
other facilities such as a bar, library, information center, travel center, and a showroom are located on
the ground level.

to read more about NL architects' original scheme, click here for our coverage of the project from 2009.



triangulated exterior



outdoor climbing surface



3D park



playground and outdoor space



overhang






during summer



during winter



indoor climbing space



interior view



office on fifth floor



during a climbing event






schematic diagram of exterior skin



schematic diagram of volumes



schematic diagram of outdoor green space



placement of climbing routes






floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



floor plan / level +2



floor plan / level +3



floor plan / level +4



floor plan / level +5



section



programs


project info:

client: amvest and blauwhoed
architects: pieter bannenberg, walter van dijk, kamiel klaasse
design team: arne van wees, gen yamamoto, antariksh tandon