Ballast Nedam Development will realise a new sustainability icon in Amsterdam: Horizons

8/9/2021
Reading time 3 min.
Sustainability
Development

Amsterdam will soon have a new international and trendsetting sustainability icon in the Sluisbuurt district. In cooperation with the municipality of Amsterdam and based on a design by Paul de Ruiter Architects and Flux Landscape Architects, Ballast Nedam Development has developed the remarkable 'Horizons' residential building. A building inspired by the human body, designed to breathe, think and feel.

For the development of 126 residential units - including office spaces, with a total of 11,000 square metres - Ballast Nedam Development was selected as the winner with its Horizons plan. This plan had two main emphases: circularity and energy consumption. “With Horizons Amsterdam, we are setting the new standard for sustainable residential development”, says Onno Dwars, CEO Ballast Nedam Development. “This development shows that we can change the way of living in balance with nature and restoring life on planet earth. We have all the ingredients to live a sustainable life. This will soon be a great place to live for both humans and nature because of its sustainable approach to building, living, and circular vision for the future.”

Innovations in circularity, sustainability and future-proof construction

A sustainability icon that, according to the initiators, has a positive impact on planet earth, its people and animals. Horizons is based on an abundance of innovations within the fields of circularity, sustainability and future-proof building. Because it consists of various green landscapes, it is a source of fresh air, oxygen and health. And due to innovations in the field of smart energy, Horizons knows exactly when it is in surplus or in deficit. Moreover, by combining the intelligence of nature with the innovative thinking of humankind, the reuse of water and waste is naturally stimulated.

Most sustainable building in Amsterdam

Horizons creates a positive impact on the planet. Solitude is prevented through interconnection and an inclusive house program. Solar panels are part of the architecture, which means that energy is generated via the facades and space is created on the roofs for roof gardens of the future. These roof gardens help to restore and further enrich the biodiversity of the Sluisbuurt district. In addition, Horizons is a circular icon that consists of 62% bio-based materials and recycled materials. At the end of its lifespan, the residential building is 96% reusable. Furthermore, the wooden building saves about 3,000 tonnes of C02 and shows that man and nature can live in joint harmony. It is a building that sets the standard for the future in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and ultimately the world.