Avondrood is located on historic grounds in the Amstelkwartier. The name Avondrood comes from one of the three silos of the former Zuidergasfabriek: three striking structures that defined the character of this site for decades. 
In the design for Avondrood, that history has been translated into a future-proof residential building that is firmly anchored in its surroundings. Avondrood aligns with the industrial character of the Amstelkwartier through the use of reused and robust materials, a wooden frame, and once again a powerful composition—now consisting of seven volumes housing residential units. At the same time, it creates a new identity for the neighborhood: open, green, and focused on community. 
Avondrood is the winning proposal for the development tender for 10,500 m² gross floor area of residential space on Lot 12A, Amstelkwartier Phase 3, Amsterdam (2026).

Landmark
 The design for Avondrood is based on two principles: enhancing the site and creating an exceptional quality of life. The lot will feature a U-shaped complex of seven buildings. Variations in height, width, and detailing give the complex a human scale; the facade, made of reused materials in shades of red, creates a sense of cohesion.

The design is tailored to sunlight, views, and social interaction. The volumes step down toward the south, allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the courtyard garden. The two key viewing angles of the block are accentuated by an exoskeleton that references the frame of the former gas holders. On Meermontkade, the corner block has been opened up to create a communal rooftop garden and a shared living room facing the water. Sun-drenched porticos connect the building to the street and the courtyard garden. The result is a residential building in which architecture, landscape, sustainability, and everyday use reinforce one another.

Robust and Soft
 The architecture of Avondrood is both robust and soft. Reused materials give the building character; carefully designed transitions between public and private spaces create a pleasant living environment. Space for socializing is created at every scale: from the courtyard garden and the winter garden to the living room on the waterfront and the communal rooftop terrace.

Reuse as Architecture 
Reused bricks, recycled ceramic tiles, and elements made from reused concrete define the building’s appearance. Circular material reuse becomes a visible part of its identity. Variations in height, width, facade design, and material use give each volume its own character, while the palette of red tones creates a sense of cohesion among the seven buildings.

Space for Space
Space has been removed from the volume precisely to create space—for encounters. The upper floors of the corner block have been replaced by a communal rooftop terrace. The corner block itself has been raised to create a gateway. Each building opens up on the ground floor with a portico that allows light to pass through, connecting the street and the garden. A meandering wall creates and reclaims space, forming niches for informal encounters between people and animals, while defining the garden’s boundary without forming the edge of the landscape.

A Green Welcome
On the city side, the northern corner of Avondrood is a defining feature. Here, the exoskeleton separates from the residential units to create an atrium with a winter garden and entrance. A light, airy concrete frame creates a semi-indoor environment where plants can grow year-round.

Interior Space 
The green courtyard forms the heart of Avondrood and creates a shared outdoor space where residents can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. Thanks to the careful positioning of the parking garage, a large portion of the garden can be landscaped with native soil, allowing native trees, shrubs, and plants to thrive and provide shade. Rainwater harvesting and nature-inclusive measures contribute to a climate-adaptive design, enhance biodiversity, and make the garden an inviting place for both residents and wildlife.

Open-Air Porches
Each building has its own open-air porch. These entrances connect the street, the bike rack, and the courtyard, turning the daily return home into a social experience. In these spaces, between indoors and outdoors, encounters happen naturally, neighbors get to know one another, and a safe, strong residential community takes shape.

Team:

Architect: Arons and Gelauff Architects, Amsterdam;

Project Architects: Tjeerd Beemsterboer, Gijs Beckman;

Client: Dura Vermeer Construction and Real Estate Amsterdam;

Contractor: Dura Vermeer

Construction and Real Estate Amsterdam

Landscape: Inside Outside

Consultants: Alba Concepts, Embato

Concept: Van Schuim

Renders: Vivid Vision