Unique loft apartments in a striking tower
Iconic reference to the past.
In 1956 IBM decided to base a laboratory on the edge of Uithoorn in the Netherlands. Over time, the location expanded into an extensive complex surrounding a striking central tower with three floors. When IBM left the location was converted into the new residential area Park Krayenhoff. Our clients, housing association Eigen Haard and UBA Projectontwikkeling, wanted to tear down all the buildings but could be convinced to preserve the iconic tower and convert it into three luxury apartments. After renovation this unique building is once more a striking and attractive focal point of the new residential district.
A sea of light and space
The square tower rests on a pillar in the middle of a park pond at the heart of Park Krayenhoff. Each floor has been converted into a 210 square metres apartment. In addition, each loft apartment has its own terrace on the roof, complete with storage space and outdoor kitchen. Part of the old basement is now an enclosed car park with room for three cars per apartment.
An elevator in the central pillar takes you up and opens into the middle of the apartment. Large windows all around flood the apartments with light and offer the occupants and visitors stunning views in all directions. The attractive location on the edge of Uithoorn offers views from the apartments and the terraces on a green landscape of wetlands that is part of the historic inundation-based defence line and
Supported by a central pillar.
The cube shaped building has been designed around a concrete supporting column measuring 6 by 6 metres, which contains the stairs, an elevator, cable ducts, storage space and toilets. The central column supports the open floors, giving the occupants complete freedom to arrange (and rearrange) the interior. (At their request we have provided the occupants of the top two apartments with advice on possible layouts.) The south west corner of the apartments has been fitted with sliding windows. Opening these windows transforms the corner into an indoor balcony.
New facade, familiar looks
The building's facade has received a complete overhaul and has been fitted with solar control glass and aluminium window frames and panels. The original appearance has been preserved as much as possible by retaining the existing size and dimensions of the window frames. Other important features are the raised floating floors that hide pipes and cables, heat pump, balanced ventilation, a new elevator and a foldable window washing installation on the roof.
Colophon
Client: Eigen Haard, Amsterdam and UBA projectontwikkeling, Uithoorn
Project architects: Marc Ibelings and Aat van Tilburg
Builder: UBA Bouw, Uithoorn
Start and completion: 2010-2012
