atelier kempe thill: junky hotel amsterdam

‘junky hotel amsterdam’ by atelier kempe thill, amsterdam-zuidoost, the netherlands image © ulrich schwarz, berlin all images courtesy of atelier kempe thill

completed by dutch practice atelier kempe thill, the ‘junky hotel amsterdam’ has recently opened in amsterdam-zuidoost, the netherlands. positioned within an area of ongoing urban renewal, near a site of a previously demolished housing development from the 1970s, this center for heroin addicts is within a sensitive and transitional sector of the city. nearby a theater and park, the exterior prioritized the delicate nature of the facility with the public, maintaining a discreet presence while improving the livability for users of this building typology.

accommodating long-term and short stay clients, the units provide 45 square meters per person, exceeding typical living standards of social housing. a ring configuration was employed to introduce direct sunlight into each room, since the square plot measuring 25 meters by 25 meters made this nearly impossible. methadone is administered and requires training and employment programs on the premises. a compact excess pressure stairway eliminates the need for a secondary escape route, allowing more space for a centralized living room with a three-story tall open atrium overhead. the common area encourages socialization amongst residents while an intimate roof terrace is a retreat from public interaction.

discreet exterior image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

roof terrace image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

roof terrace image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

communal living room image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

forum for socialization image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

flexible space for activity amongst residents image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

(left) perimeter steps for seating (right) corridor wraps the atrium images © ulrich schwarz, berlin

image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

corridor wraps the perimeter of the building image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

image © ulrich schwarz, berlin

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 2

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sectional perspective