‘kameleon’ by NL architects, amsterdam, the netherlands image © marcel van der burg all images courtesy of NL architects

dutch practice NL architects have recently completed ‘kameleon’, a residential block and shopping center within the bijlmermeer area of amsterdam, the netherlands. a large-scale addition to the formerly derelict district, this building will contribute to the ongoing transition into a dutch suburb. dwellers will benefit from the location’s close vicinity to an elevated subway line and the karspeldreef, a main artery which parallels the site. the project’s 10-storey tall exterior is interrupted with horizontal slices and diverse facade treatments to reduce its vertical prominence within a context of low-rise homes and open green spaces. an 8 meter by 8 meter grid reduces the cost of the structure while a rhythmic and zigzagged configuration of balconies add privacy for inhabitants. a large void within the solid elevation acts as a window, aligning to the height of the tracks to allow inward views of the garden inside.

NL architects: kameleon image © luuk kramer

at ground level, storefronts are accessible from the street, eliminating the feel of an indoor commercial center. a supermarket is broken into smaller units to both integrate the typically bulky program and activate the plinth. a shortcut through the length of the block, referred to as the ‘8’, creates a healthy circulation to stimulate business, introducing visitors and customers between the various storeys with an escalator. residents can store their cars in upper level parking which is concealed by the perimeter ring of retail and is capped with a rooftop garden planted with twelve trees and a river.

rising above the vegetated roofscape, four levels containing 168 apartments wrap the courtyard and are accessed with a network of outdoor stairways. a continuous urban wall buffers from the hustle and bustle of the street below while breaks along the internal face create playgrounds and niches for outdoor BBQ’s.

NL architects: kameleon

image © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon images © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon images © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon images © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon images © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon images © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon (left) image © marcel van der burg

(right) image © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon

image © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon images © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon

image © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon

image © luuk kramer

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon image © marcel van der burg

NL architects: kameleon

image © luuk kramer