marlies rohmer: houtsma site, neighbourhood factory

‘houtsma site: neighbourhood factory’ by marlies rohmer in amsterdam, the netherlands all images courtesy marlies rohmer

‘houtsma site: neighbourhood factory’ by dutch practice marlies rohmer is a five-storey residential complex adjacent to the canal in the oud west district of amsterdam, the netherlands. the result of an extensive research and collaborative effort with local residents, the project is transparent in its presence and features a system of shutters on its west-facing facades.

view from the water

sitting on a triangular plot by the water, the design consists of multiple slim volumes that are staggered, creating a broken western facade. the street level of the complex is occupied with small-scale businesses, including a youth facility and a cafe which faces the canal. the ‘factory’-like identity is achieved through the overall aesthetic of the design, which largely utilizes concrete, features steel escape stairways and an iconic, sawtooth roofline.

(left) entrance (right) street facade

in order to create a direct relationship between the residents and the site, each unit incorporates large folding glass windows which can be fully opened to the streets below. dwellings range from one- to two-bedroom apartments, homes for elderly occupants, maisonettes and a penthouse with access to a roof terrace.

roof view