PROJECT STORY
The challenge
Smart mobility in outdated residential areas
De Baak: Sustainable residential building for mid-range rental accommodation
Arcadis develops sustainable mobility vision
The challenge
The Bakemabuurt in Amsterdam's Nieuw-West neighborhood is in need of renovation, and many houses and public spaces in the area are getting a makeover. The municipality of Amsterdam decided to extend its plans to include the construction of new, sustainable and affordable rental homes in the plan, combined with a location where the residents can feel at home and can meet one another.
The solution
The solution was found in De Baak. This building can accommodate 123 new residences of all types, including duplex apartments, loft apartments and studios. All of these homes boast a compact and smart layout and a sustainable design. The municipality of Amsterdam opted for circular building materials for the facade and installed sustainable systems for the generation and storage of energy. The rainproof, succulent-planted roof releases heat from the building and improves the efficiency of the solar panels.
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For De Baak, Arcadis developed a sustainable mobility vision, where we encourage residents to move around the area in a sustainable way. This is why the bicycle takes center stage, with a convenient and spacious bicycle storage facility available for cyclists. There is less space for cars, but the parking garage will be equipped with five charging points for cars shared through the Buurauto car-share program. Buurauto also provides shared electric scooters and bikes for residents, enabling the future inhabitants of De Baak to travel in a flexible and sustainable way.
At the request of the residents, there will also be space for activities such as community meetings and homework clubs. This communal 'living room' will extend along the width of the building and is also open to the other residents of this family-friendly neighborhood. As a result, the garden spaces are located in the adjacent park; residents of De Baak will be able to work together to bring the park to life.
Our experts are providing sustainability advice on various aspects of the circular economy, including the use of materials, system design and the mobility plan. Ecology and climate adaptation based on the 'Amsterdam Rainproof' are also specific focus points. Alongside Arcadis, the implementation team is also comprised of marketing and communication specialist De Wijde Blik, engineering firm Pieters Bouwtechniek, construction company Wessels Zeist, OZ Architects and Flux landscape architecture.
The impact
Construction of De Baak is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021. On completion of the building, tenants will be able to enjoy sustainable and affordable accommodation in a family-friendly, green and pleasant neighborhood. The area is also undergoing a full program of renovation works carried out by the municipality of Amsterdam, which will further boost quality of life.
