170 Amsterdam’s design reflects the surrounding trees and green space found in the area. The bold concrete columns intersect at different heights, giving the illusion of a moving facade as the intersections rise to the top. With such a wide distance between the glass facade of the building and the concrete columns, the design also enables a playful change of light and shadows throughout the day.
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From the interior, the relationship between the glass and the concrete continue to mark the design. Large floor-to-ceiling windows give way to the broad columns, giving off the impression of being suspending in an urban treehouse. Additionally notable on the interior is the lack of columns in the living space. Since the project space was so narrow, the architects moved the supportive concrete skeleton to the outside, resulting in open interior spaces that would otherwise have been occupied by columns.
As far as eco-features, the use of concrete was also a strategic decision to meet LEED standards. Along with providing an optimal amount of glare-free natural light throughout the interior, the horizontal projecting slab doubles as temperature control, reducing air-conditioning and lighting usage. In fact, the concrete slab provides 2.2% of the 10% energy cost reduction that is required for LEED certification.
Images via Handel Architects
