The Amsterdam neighborhood of Buiksloterham is transforming from an industrial business park into a circular urban district focused on living and working. Part of the area development are buildings C11, C14 and C19, which have been fitted with ArcelorMittal metal facade cladding by Rometa Metaalproducten. A striking feature is the black, profiled Creneo façade cladding on building C19, which continues stylishly into the folding shutters and folding doors.
Buildings C11, C14 and C19 were designed by studioninedots and built by HSB Bouw. 'On behalf of this contractor, we fitted the facades with metal cladding, which subtly references the industrial past of Buiksloterham,' says Patrick Heijms, project engineer at Rometa Metaalproducten. "The facades of C11 and C14 are clad with Magnelis, a flat carbon steel that is galvanized on both sides in a molten bath. For residential building C19, on the other hand, a black block profile with a special perforation was chosen. We contacted ArcelorMittal at a very early stage to coordinate the details for this. For example, with regard to the fastening, profiling, color and gloss level."
Perfectly aligned
“The challenge is always to translate the architect's aesthetic design into a profile that can be produced and installed easily and cost-effectively, without compromising on look and feel,” says Levi Kleinjan, Special Façades Manager at ArcelorMittal Construction. 'In collaboration with Rometa Metaalproducten, we have once again succeeded in doing this. We looked at various profiles, dimensions and gloss levels and set them up in test pieces, on the basis of which we arrived at a vertically placed Creneo 30/100 block profile in polyurethane 9011 (graphite black) with a matt finish.' Heijms: "We tested our proposal in a mock-up, which we also presented to the architect and contractor.
In addition, we developed specific block profiles for the eight folding shutters (floors) and folding doors (ground floor). Studioninedots wanted the lines of the fixed facade to align perfectly with the lines of the folding shutters and folding doors. This was to ensure an extremely sleek facade appearance. We invested a great deal of time and energy in getting the details right." Following on from the facades, folding shutters and folding doors, the wall copings of the balcony and the roof edge were also incorporated into the profiled facade panel.
Privacy and transparency
'The folding shutters and folding doors offer residents privacy, but also maintain the desired transparency,' emphasizes Heijms, who compares the principle to net curtains. 'Small perforations have been made in the block profiles, which maintain the view to the outside, even when the shutters are closed. In addition, comfortable daylight entry is guaranteed, which contributes to living comfort.'
175 m2 block profiles
C19 offers space for two stacked two-storey homes, which are fitted with Creneo block profiles all around. 'In total, we have installed around 175 m2 of facade profiles on an HSB rear construction,' says Heijms. "The timber frame construction was first covered with a foil to ensure perfect waterproofing. We then installed a rear construction with horizontal omega profiles, which served as a support structure for the profiled facade cladding. All block profiles are screwed in place, with the color of the screws matching the color of the profiles exactly. In combination with the well-chosen screw positions, this has created a harmonious and sleek facade appearance."
Follow-up project
Just before the 2024 construction holiday, Rometa Metaalproducten completed the facade of block C19. The Uden-based metal construction company is now also involved in a follow-up project on Distelweg, which will also use ArcelorMittal products.
