In a primarily residential area at the edge of IJburg in Amsterdam, a location has been set aside for the development of commercial buildings. The 'comb-shaped' development is situated along the water of the IJmeer, on the west side of the Steigereiland.GROUP A has designed a building which currently houses two companies: one company (E2M) developing dynamic systems such as flight simulators, the other (Cruden) developing automotive simulators. The building comprises two factory spaces of 8 meter height on ground floor, with 4 meter height offices and research facilities on first and second floor. The building footprint fits the rectangular site, which is partly determined by the fixed urban envelope of 18 meters wide, by 60 meters long, and 16 meters high.The entrance to the development is located along the street, and accentuated by a powerful cut in the building-mass that harbours the access stairs to the first floor. This cut continues on the first floorof the south façade, providing a gallery for entering the premises. On the second floor the external gallery turns internal. The south façade which faces the adjacent neighbouring site has a rather closed appearance, also ensuring a reduction of heat gain.The façade facing the water has an open and transparent character, safeguarding views across the water towards the Amsterdam ringroad (A10). Simultaneously, this transparency ensures the user to be seen by traffic on the ring road.The façade has a skin made out of Corten steel sheet-material, with dimensions of 3 x 1 meter one of the largest sizes available. Corten steel, with its warm and reddish brown patina, polycarbonate and glass are the materials used in the façade, providing an industrial and sturdy look that suits the character of the companies.Recently, the Workshop Steigereiland project was nominated for the Golden A.A.P. 2012, a prestigious Amsterdam architectural award. Early May prizes will be awarded by Arcam.
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