Timber tower in Netherlands soon

The municipality of the Dutch city of Amsterdam has selected a team of architects to design a 73-metre-tall timber tower to be located along the Amstel River. According to the developers, the structure could become Netherlands’ tallest timber-framed building.

Depending on construction schedules, the residential tower might also be a
contender for the title of ‘Tallest wooden tower in the world.’

The project’s name HAUT — short for ‘Haute Couture’ — comes from the tailor-made design of its 55 apartment units.  The 22-storeyed building will offer buyers a number of choices in apartment size, layout, positioning of double-height spaces, outdoor loggias and balconies. The interior surfaces will be clad in wood, reflecting the tower’s unique construction, while an irregular composition of cantilevered balconies will provide visual interest on the facade. Large windows in the units will offer views of the river and surrounding neighbourhood.

A triangular plinth will house a winter green space where residents will have the opportunity to participate in a community gardening programme.

Bicycle storage spaces and an underground car park will also be available. With construction expected to begin in the second half of 2017, the project is
another example of the growing trend for wooden architecture in tall building design.

Timber construction was chosen for this project in part for its sustainable
nature: over three million kilos of carbon dioxide will be stored in the cross-laminated pieces. Additional environmental features include a wastewater purification system and energy-generating facades.

The HAUT tower is a part of the overall development plan for the new residential neighbourhood of Amstelkwartier, which will provide for nearly 4,000 residential units along with shopping and small business areas.