Zeeburgereiland
Part of Zeeburg, Zeeburgereiland is a triangular artificial land next to the city center of Amsterdam. From the center, the area is easy to reach by public transports, by car or bike, and it is also very close to the A10 highway. This makes Zeeburgereiland a convenient place to commute to the nearby cities. New developments are arising in this area offering not only dwellings, but schools, sport fields, retails, commerce.
The quality of the urban plan is making this area the ideal location for residents who want to enjoy the tranquility of the island while still being part of the vibrating city.
Concept
More than 100 years ago, Zeeburgereiland was born from the sediments of the river IJ to host the Dutch Navy. This area became a watershed of the river IJ splitting it into North side and South side.
Long before that, when the IJ was one, this water hosted the ships which were prepared to sail the oceans. These years sets the Dutch hegemony on a global level, the Gouden Eeuw began after 80 years of war to set the country free. Piet Hein was a commander of the Dutch navy, a privateer and considered also a freebooter. His ships were beautiful and its navy strong. They defeated all the opponents and made the Netherlands the one of the most acclaimed countries in the world, for art, military, industry, science, wealth.
On a land that belongs to this water, a new ship is about to be built.
Freebooter
Apartment I
The duplex has a main core containing the vital functions related to nourishment (kitchen) and personal care (bathroom and toilets). Around it the resting area (master bedroom and single bedroom, studio) and the “living” area (living room and dining room) evolve fluidly.
The ground floor has the kitchen open towards the front entrance and the living room open towards the garden. The shading system controls the quantity of light necessary in the room over the whole day. Privacy is guaranteed thanks to an integrated curtain system.
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Apartment II
A separate entrance on the side leads to the second apartment. The open plan, around the core containing the kitchen and the toilet, offers maximum flexibility. The living room merges with the dining room, the studio and the double height space. This loop continues through the stairs connecting to the resting area (master bedroom, single bedroom and studio) and the large terrace. As for the apartment 1, the view towards the river together with privacy and perfect light condition are guaranteed over the whole day in every room.
The system of balconies and terraces creates continuity between inner spaces and outer spaces, enlarging the rooms and connecting them also from outside.
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Architect
About GG-loop
GG-loop is an architectural practice established 2014 in Amsterdam by Giacomo Garziano. The office works within an international network, deriving its strength from an interdisciplinary approach. They work on different scales, ranging from urban planning to industrial design. GG-loop is also involved in art projects, such as video installations, digital sculpture and music performances, embracing various creative fields.
What is the idea behind the Freeboter?
When I first visited the area, I immediately realized its potential. The vision of the urban plan is rich and articulated. It offers all the functionalities that a new area should have. The relation with the water, the openness, the proximity to the center and to the A10 and the openness makes it a great place to live.
Moreover the investigation of the location’s history and the relation with the water inspired me to design a home with a story. This is my vision of how Zeeburgereiland could be inhabited. The character of the Freebooter is a logical development.
What is the story behind the design?
Freebooter was born out of the main elements that characterize the area. It used to be a place where boats were constantly present. This is why I decided to use the elements related to navigation and interpret them according to my vision: the wooden structure typical of the sailing ships and traditional Dutch architecture inspired the construction technology and the feeling of the new interiors; the openness of the floor plan, the change in height according to the function of the room follows basic principle of ship engineering; the transparency of the facades, the balconies and terraces, create a feeling of standing on a ship’s deck, and still preserving privacy and comfort.
The fluidity of the water that carries the ship and the wind that blows its veils inspired both the floor plan, the interiors and the pattern of shading structure.
With this building I want to bring back the historic memories of the area and give the new inhabitants the feeling of belonging to it since centuries ago.
Contact
Interested in more information?
Send us a message to
info@freebooter.nl
Designed by:
GG-loop
Architectural Practice
Brouwersgracht 186-B
1013 HC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 647.88.79.00