NL architects' proposal for 'the silo competition' in amsterdam

NL architects’ proposal for ‘the silo competition’ in amsterdam image courtesy NL architects

amsterdam city council recently held ‘the silo competition’ which involved the adaptive and reuse design for two former sewage treatment silos in the city’s zeeburg district. for the competition, NL Architects have proposed silos dedicated to climbing, sports and culture. in their design the existing structures were extended to the maximum height to benefit from the views.

the cultural silo consists of two theaters with dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces, spaces for workshops, exhibition spaces, music studios and a space for hair design. a bridge connects the silos at the height of the original roof level and office spaces will be positioned on top. the top level will be dedicated to a restaurant with 360 views and a roof terrace.

‘the silo competition’ proposal by NL architects image courtesy NL architects

using the cylinder of the silo as a basis they created a 40 meter high artificial cave that consists of challenging cantilevers and overhangs for climbers. since climbing walls essentially are oblique, a section can allow for an increase in space between the inside and outside, allowing useable floor areas on a higher level. on the level above is a hotel, training facilities and a square that can be used in multiple ways. on the ground level is a public cafe, connected to the climbing tower through a hole in the floor above it and is surrounded by the boulder area. climbing grips will be placed on the outside of the silo too. the exterior as such becomes part of the ‘program’ climbers will activate the facade. by pushing the silo wall from the inside several swellings form on the outside; these bulges create more challenging routes.

‘the silo competition’ proposal by NL architects image courtesy NL architects

facade allows for outdoor climbing image courtesy NL architects

‘the silo competition’ proposal by NL architects image courtesy NL architects climbing silo image courtesy NL architects climbing silo image courtesy NL architects