Kraanspoor
OTH  Ontwerpgroep Trude Hooykaas, Amsterdam

Regaled with many prizes through the whole of 2008, this unusual project with a gangly profile emerging from the river IJ owes its existence to the tenacity of Trude Hooykaas. 

Abandoned in an old industrial zone near the town centre of Amsterdam, this witness of the past dating from 1952, consisting of docks, hangars and port equipment was earmarked for demolition. In 1997, Trude Hooykass was cycling in the port of Amsterdam, and fascinated by this huge concrete structure saw real chances to create new urban activities. She decided to make it live again by creating a new building on the water. An adventure which would last ten years. The project she developed is implanted on the imposing concrete structure (270m long, 8.7m wide and 13.5 m high) which used to be the track for the loading cranes (kraanspoor). Her suggestion was able to reinvigorate the area. Reusing an existing structure often imposes significant constraints. The challenge was to construct a three storey building on an old base designed with a cantilever over the water.  This is a light building, simply designed like a large transparent rectangular box, separated from the concrete structure and resting on the steel posts which respect the structural framework. The sober style reflects the industrial nature of the original elements.
The steel structure and mixed prefabricated floors make three levels for a total of 10,000m2 of office and common spaces. The whole volume is enveloped in a double glass façade, the internal façade is made up of a system of a curtain wall with double glazing filling over the whole free height of the floors. On each floor level is a maintenance metal grate flooring protected by a glass surface made up of adjustable glass shutters mounted on an aluminium structure. As well as the light structure and double skin facade the building includes cooling ceilings, the use of the thermal inertia of the concrete floors and natural ventilation. Today, thanks to the conservation and improvement of an existing structure and the respectful use of materials and resources, the "Kraanspoor" shows that an environmental approach is compatible with real architectural quality.