Cruquius Island, an artificial peninsula in the eastern docklands of Amsterdam, has been transformed into a new living and working quarter in recent years. The project covers an area of around 48,750 m² and was planned and implemented by KCAP in collaboration with the clients AM (Cruquiuswerf) and Amvest (Berkhout).
The origins of Cruquius Island date back to the period between 1875 and 1925, when the area was created as part of the harbor expansion. Originally used as a location for trade and industry, warehouses and factories were located here for decades. As part of the revitalization, the gradual transformation into a modern urban quarter began in 2015, combining residential, commercial and public spaces.
The urban development concept is based on a fan-shaped arrangement of 14 buildings. These alternate between large-scale, elongated structures and smaller three-storey units. The architecture takes into account both the island’s industrial past and the requirements of modern living and working spaces. Each building has private outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces or gardens.
The façade design of the buildings and the materials have been chosen to reference the industrial history while creating a connection to the surrounding area. All residential units offer a direct view of the water.
A central component of the project is the integration of public spaces that combine living and working with leisure opportunities. The Cruquiusweg acts as the main axis, from which lines of sight lead to the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The waterfront promenade is car-free and offers space for pedestrians as well as places to linger along the water.
On the first floor of the buildings are commercial and work spaces that contribute to the revitalization of the quarter. The mix of residential and work uses and the proximity to the water are characteristic of the district.
The design of the open spaces includes organically shaped paths, semi-public gardens and green communal areas. These are integrated into the buildings and promote the experience of the neighborhood. The open spaces are designed in such a way that they offer a variety of uses and create a smooth transition between private and public space.
Particular attention is paid to the permeability of the development, which is supported by the arrangement of the buildings and the pathways.
As part of the project, emphasis was placed on a variety of measures to promote sustainability:
- The buildings were equipped with solar panels, green roofs and energy-efficient systems.
- The landscaping includes a high level of greening with semi-mature trees and other planting to help improve biodiversity.
- Parametric planning approaches were used to ensure optimal use of daylight for the residential units and open spaces.
In addition, bicycle parking spaces and barrier-free communal areas were created to support environmentally friendly use.
Cruquius Island is a new residential quarter that enables a variety of uses thanks to its combination of living spaces, workspaces and publicly accessible areas. The project was developed with the industrial history of the peninsula in mind, while at the same time meeting the requirements of modern, sustainable urban planning.
