Meet the architect
DON’T LOOK FOR
BALANCE,
CREATE IT
BORN
PROFESSION
RESIDENCE
KNOWN FOR
25th of January 1957
Architect and Professor
Amsterdam
Moebius Huis, Erasmusbrug, Mercedes-Benzmuseum, Arnhem Central Station.
Ben van Berkel
Founder & Principal architect of UNStudio
What were your main goals at the beginning of the project? Was it sustainability, aesthetics, or something completely different?
From the outset, we deemed it crucial to engage in some kind of relationship between Nobu Residences, and the park and surroundings. By activating the base of the building, the plinth, with vibrant features and urban anchors, and focusing on the outdoor spaces to create a view from and to the green environment, we managed to do so. This way, residents can truly experience the best of nature in the comfort of their homes. Additionally, we ensured both volumes were seamlessly integrated into the park through the continuation of mass and materialisation.
Why were you so excited about this project?
While Amsterdam is my favourite city, and home to our headquarters, it’s just magnificent to add something extraordinary, like Nobu Residences, to its skyline. It’s such a unique location, in the middle of the Beatrixpark, right next to the A10. This part of the city is buzzing! A lot is happening in ‘our backyard’, the Zuidas. As an agency, we find it very important to deal with all (local) developments and community aspects in a responsible, respectful way
How does the project reflect the typical ‘Ben van Berkel signature’?
Well, certainly, but it does have a little ‘twist’. It’s not very common for us to cap towers with a prominent crown, as we did with Nobu Residences. We used elements from the ‘Amsterdamse School’ as a source of inspiration for the design of the tower tops. Other examples are our use of straight lines with selective curves, the embedding of double heights, and the setback of the facade line to create exquisite outdoor spaces – even at the highest levels. I kept Berlage’s style in mind during the entire process; giving the towers this true Amsterdam identity was very important to me.
There’s a noticeable synergy between the building and its location. Could you explain why this is and how it manifests?
Of course! The spot has a dual identity: it’s located in a lush green environment, and it’s part of Amsterdam’s business district, the Zuidas. To cultivate an interaction between these two contrasts, we had to engage with both. So, while the city is teeming with life, the garden serves as a transitional zone between the park and the building. And, in this zone, you’ll find the same flora and fauna as in the Beatrixpark itself.
What can you tell us about the materials you used in the design?
While part of the same family, both towers have their own distinct identity. This called for a unique selection of materials. The West Tower, characterised by a more horizontal design, incorporates sustainable sintered stone. The East Tower, on the other hand, features a rhythm of elegant vertical aluminium slats. To create synergy, as we’ve been talking about earlier, both towers exude a warm and earthy tonality that blends well with the park surroundings. In the design, there’s a strong focus on the 6th facade; the undersides of the balconies showcase wood cladding, while light black bands and frames, present in both towers, bring a cohesive unity to the project.
EVERY DETAIL, FROM MATERIAL CHOICE TO FINISHING, CONTRIBUTES TO A HARMONIOUS LIVING ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU FEEL AT HOME.
What are you most proud of in the design of Park Meadows?
Responding to both the dynamic context of the Zuidas and the green character of the park was an immense challenge. Though I do believe we’ve succeeded in that. What’s your perspective on sustainability in architecture, and were you able to reflect your vision in the design of Nobu Residences? We always prioritise a proper passive design. At Nobu Residences, you can see that the basic mass of the volumes is created to optimise sight lines, natural light, sun hours, and the effects of shade. Then a second layer of sustainability is introduced, including green roofs, water recovery, insect hotels, solar panels, materialisation, and, of course, the garden that enhances the ecology of the park. The basement of the building houses a large space for Thermal Energy Storage; extracting heat from the surroundings with heat pumps sustainably, reducing the CO2 footprint. We aim for a high sustainability score and are currently exploring the certification that aligns best with our values. Realising a green building, in the broadest sense of the term, is our primary goal.
What’s your perspective on sustainability in architecture, and were you able to reflect your vision in the design of Park Meadows?
We always prioritise a proper passive design. At Nobu Residences, you can see that the basic mass of the volumes is created to optimise sight lines, natural light, sun hours, and the effects of shade. Then a second layer of sustainability is introduced, including green roofs, water recovery, insect hotels, solar panels, materialisation, and, of course, the garden that enhances the ecology of the park. The basement of the building houses a large space for Thermal Energy Storage; extracting heat from the surroundings with heat pumps sustainably, reducing the CO2 footprint. We aim for a high sustainability score and are currently exploring the certification that aligns best with our values. Realising a green building, in the broadest sense of the term, is our primary goal.
What were the main challenges during the process and were you able to tackle them?
Finding the right strategy for the amount of noise from the A10 and the future Zuid-As tunnel could be categorised as a challenge. And, yes, we were able to overcome this. It did have an impact on our design from the beginning. For instance, we incorporated integrated acoustic dampers into the texture of the facades; ensuring residents can experience the park’s serenity in the comfort of their homes.
What role does the connecting passage between the two towers play in the design?
To counteract a division of two worlds, it was crucial to connect both towers. We want to provide a unique experience for both park visitors and residents of Nobu Residences. This doesn’t happen if you have two separate towers. Therefore, the atrium is designed to be as transparent as possible; enhancing views to and from the park. Additionally, it effectively captures movement within the space, leaving an impression, I call this ‘the after image’, and amplifies the park’s social safety.
