Bearing the shape, but hopefully not the smell of its former design, this post-modern apartment used to be a defunct sewage treatment planet before the architects at Dutch firm Dick van Gameren got ahold of it.
Located in Amsterdam-West, the apartment complex is situated in what used to be a disused sewage filtering facility. But rather than demolish the building or needlessly renovate it, the Dutch municipality opened their arms to the new idea of 'adaptive re-use.' So after a few scrubs and small repairs, the entire building was ready to receive its first tenants, thanks to Dick van Gameren.
Using an eco-friendly, minimalist approach, the architects and engineers involved were able to accommodate the needs of tenants while preserving the buildings original design. If anything, this building stands as a testament to interdisciplinary architecture and the benefits it always confers.
Contaminated Cribs
Architect Firm Dick van Gameren Converts a Sewage Plant into a Home
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Re-use - The trend of repurposing existing structures, like sewage treatment plants, into new and functional spaces presents opportunities for sustainable development and innovative design solutions.
2. Eco-friendly Architecture - The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable construction practices is driving the innovation of design strategies and materials that minimize negative environmental impacts.
3. Interdisciplinary Architecture - The integration of diverse expertise, such as architecture and engineering, is creating opportunities for collaborative approaches that maximize functionality and preserve the original design of buildings.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architectural firms have the opportunity to lead the way in adaptive re-use projects, designing innovative solutions that transform outdated structures into modern, sustainable living spaces.
2. Construction - The construction industry can capitalize on the demand for eco-friendly architecture by adopting sustainable building practices and incorporating environmentally friendly materials.
3. Engineering - Engineers can play a crucial role in interdisciplinary architecture by collaborating with architects to find efficient and innovative solutions that preserve the original design while meeting the needs of tenants.