Residential Building In Amsterdam Has ‘Apartments’ For Both Humans & Wildlife

An apartment complex in Amsterdam is taking the notion of humans and animals living in harmony to the next level by creating a habitat for both to reside in.

The building was designed by VenhoevenCS and DS Landschapsarchitecten and is located close to a public park in the Sluisbuurt in Amsterdam. 

Sluisbuurt is part of a sustainable, car-free neighborhood that is home to over 5,500 houses and office buildings. 

The ecological living complex consists of 82 apartments, shops, businesses, and a parking garage for its human residents. On the nature side of things, there are gardens, green roofs, and terraces to create micro-environments for nature and little animals to live in. 

There are four types of natural environments within the complex: grassland, waterways, trees, and shrubbery. This provides little pockets of areas where small animals can be housed as well. 

Nests for birds and bats can be found on the building’s façade, where lush greenery can be seen creeping up the complex’s side. Meanwhile, the landscaping creates an ideal home for little creatures like hedgehogs and cats to roam around.  

Its waterways allow for different species of fish and ducks to meander through the complex as its human neighbors go about their day.   

According to Fast Company, Jos-Willem van Oorschot, the firm’s architect partner and director, has said that the environment was created to attract species of animals that have disappeared from the city.  

In order to achieve an energy-neutral status, the structure uses triple glazing, heat recovery systems, and solar panels. There is also a rainwater irrigation system to help recycle water for the flora. 

Construction is set to start in 2024 and the nature-inclusive building will open its doors to humans and animals alike by 2026. 

 
[via ArchDaily and Fast Company, cover image via VenhoevenCS]