building on the present

Team point of view

The present must be accepted and embraced as the first step in any adaptation process. The proposed building and subsequent steps build on the existing infrastructure and seek to use and re-use materials and buildings on the site. This strategy will strengthen and develop the identity of the Havenkwartier.
The building is a catalyst for this strategy. The footprint of the brief is reshaped to align with the canal, thus creating a separate marina on the north side of the building. The slab is conceived as a double bridge construction with glass facades in between. The lower deck is level with the water so all units have direct access to the water. The upper deck is used for parking. The building will be sold by the metre so that its growth reflects market interest.