SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

Amsterdam’s Lush Garden-Wrapped SportPlaza Mercator is Topped with a Green Roof

03/14/2013

SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

Going to the gym to burn off calories would be a lot more fun if the whole complex was wrapped in plants like the SportPlaza Mercator in Amsterdam. Designed by <a href="http://venhoevencs.nl">VenhoevenCS Architects</a>, this community center-cum-spa marks the entrance to a park in the diverse De Baarsjes neighborhood. The design team wanted the center to blend into its green surroundings, which is why they opted to cover the whole thing in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/vertical-gardens-by-patrick-blanc/">lush vertical gardens</a>.

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

This gorgeous sporting complex is located in a diverse neighborhood of Amsterdam

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

Completely wrapped in lush vertical gardens, the building also sports a green roof

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

The idea was to camouflage the building so it would fit into its surroundings

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

There are two swimming pools, including one that is outdoors

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

Windows near the pools are tinted for privacy

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SportPlaza Mercator by VenhoevenCS Architecture

This render depicts how the entire fortress-like complex is wrapped in vertical gardens.

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Going to the gym to burn off calories would be a lot more fun if the whole complex was wrapped in plants like the SportPlaza Mercator in Amsterdam. Designed by VenhoevenCS Architects, this community center-cum-spa marks the entrance to a park in the diverse De Baarsjes neighborhood. The design team wanted the center to blend into its green surroundings, which is why they opted to cover the whole thing in lush vertical gardens.

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