The impressive post-war modernist Otto Scheltusflat might be outdated in terms of thermal comfort, outdated floor plans and foremost its awkward position within its urban fabric but it is an amazing framework to build upon. Our proposal aims to respect the building’s structure and give it a new life by adding to and modernizing it. Only very precise cuts will be made within the existing structure minimizing demolition work and therefore not adding to the building’s carbon footprint while revitalizing this large building complex. All the new elements will be prefabricated using bio-based materials such as cross laminated timber floors and walls, woodfibre insulation, wood cladding and wooden window frames.

The building will be transformed from a single-use elderly housing complex with two type of apartments to a mixed-use building with a vibrant plint and a wide range of apartment typologies for starters, elderly and young families. The main challenge of the project was to house these extra spaces while keeping intact the original character and architecture of this modernist giant. Our approach was to carefully add new volumes that act as puzzle pieces and connect the old building to the surrounding public space, by providing entrances and mediating between street-levels and the floor levels of the existing building. The friendly proportioned and transparent additions reach out to the sidewalks welcoming passers-by and offer a new range of public functions: such as a café with co-working space, community center, fitness and activity room.

Through this approach we could add an extra 3.200 square meters to the building complex. The 128 apartments can be divided into a diverse set of typologies ranging from studio’s, to three bedroom apartments and duplex typologies. Original balconies are reinstated to provide every house with a generous outdoor space and new apartments always have multiple orientations.

The proposal was awarded with a special mention by the jury of Europan 18.

“Stop demolition and make sense of place is commended for its respectful approach to the striking modernist architecture of the Otto Scheltusflat and for its commitment to sustainability through renovation rather than replacement. The project’s restrained attitude towards intervention reflects a belief in the continued relevance of the existing structure. The new entrance design, conceived as a shared threshold between the public and private realms, creates opportunities for informal encounters between residents and passers-by.”

• Client
  Europan
• Location
  Amersfoort, NL
• Status
  Competition, awarded with a special mention
• Gross floor area
  14.000 m²
• Programme
  Plint: Café, community centre, fitness, activity room and co-working spaces
  Housing: 128 apartments in 14 different typologies
• Visualisations
  Studio Prospettica