The Twins, a residential complex in the heart of Amsterdam, was completed in October by the international design firm KCAP. Comprising two rugged volumes planned around a shared public courtyard, the Twins is a part of the redevelopment of a former Shell site in Amsterdam-Noord into a new destination for living, learning, and working.
Built on two L-shaped plots, the structures needed to match the scale of the surrounding development. Moreover, the prominent location also required a compelling architectural statement.
Taking cues from the name the Twins, the architects paired the two volumes architecturally and conceptually. An L-shaped plan that widens at the ground level and tapers towards the top allowed for the creation of passages within, giving the buildings their notable stepped form.
Stacked and divided around the courtyard garden, the complex allows for community interaction and visual connection. The corridors that run the entire building's length, marked with a triple-height entrance, offer an additional space where users can engage.
Despite being set back from the facade, the entrances to the units are transparent and entirely covered in gold anodized aluminium that naturally draws light upward. The interior's openness and vibrancy can be seen from the outside, thanks to the golden glow and warmly lit galleries. Clad in golden wall panelling along with matching doorbells and civic numbers, the ground floor creates a sense of luxury.
In addition to providing the façade with a staggered form, the stacked balconies feature vertical green walls, adding a touch of vitality to the complex. The green stepped balconies, together with the communal courtyard, enhance liveability, provide a sense of belonging amongst the residents and serve as an oasis amidst the bustle of the city.
