At the request of Yisheng Investment Group, a Chinese development and investment company, Mulderblauw and BAG Architecten have collaborated on the design of a large multipurpose building in the centre of Amstelveen. “The City Garden” will contain luxury apartments, a four-star hotel, shops, social amenities, and an underground car park. Adjoining the Stadstuinen development and town centre of Amstelveen, this is the biggest new-build construction site in the area.
Owing to the varied height of the surrounding development, the urban design features a composition of stepped volumes. This results in an inviting, multipurpose building of varied height that is in balance with neighbouring buildings. The building block opens towards the Stadstuinen so that as many residents as possible can enjoy the green views.
The design consists of a traditional composition of plinth, central portion and cornice. Moreover, the consistent application of the same details and distinctive façade stone gives the building a powerful character. Thanks to the sleek, traditional brick framework all around the building, the various functions present a single front to the surroundings. A play of various brickwork courses and blank panels with a subtle pattern results in a vibrant composition. The architecture of the one-level retail volume and the inner garden designed as a green element harmonize with the Stadstuinen while contrasting with the brick volume.
The form of the building lends itself perfectly to a highly varied mix of housing types. The City Garden contains no fewer than forty different types of apartment, varying from 108 m2 to 276 m2, with the possibility of connecting apartments together to create larger living units. Light, views and space formed the principles for creating the greatest possible level of living comfort. That is why all apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows and very spacious balconies of at least 10m2.
