NATURE-INCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL TOWER BLOCKS
tender for plot N, Sloterdijk-Centrum

Sustainable principle 1: nature-inclusive building
Living in an urban apartment in a private oasis: an ecological biotope façade. In addition, greenery shall be incorporated in the façade zones of the high-rise building around the apartments. These will become meeting places for residents. Diversity is vital for a healthy society. For that reason, plot N will be for young and old, with opportunities for growth to suit different stages of life and needs. Hyperlofts, warehouse apartments and loft apartments. In addition to 200 homes for people, 200 homes for animals too. Every animal – whether a bird, insect or mammal – has different requirements in terms of habitat. All the habitats at Huis te Bretten have been optimally oriented in terms of height and wind direction.

Sustainable principle 2: energy roof system
The high roof will be crowned with an energy roof system. The roof will be fitted with high-efficiency PV panels, wind power will be captured by a large wind collector (PowerNest) and water will be collected via a roof rain collector. Everything on the outside which is clearly EPC-related is incorporated in these top two layers. There is a sports facility on the lower roof. Should more solar cells be required, then these will be incorporated in transparent form in the glass surfaces.

Sustainable principle 3: flexible solid
Carrying out projects that will create great places to live not only now but also in 100 years’ time represents a huge step towards achieving sustainability. The shell has been designed in such a way that it will be able to accommodate various functions in the long term. This will prevent the possibility of the building being demolished or standing empty prematurely. In concrete terms, that means:

• floors with an adjustable load-bearing capacity,
• reinforcement-free zones in the walls,
• flexibility in terms of layout,
• application of the loft principle: a floor-to-ceiling height of 3.2 metres and an arcade arrangement on the ground floor.

Huis te Bretten
What if we create a completely nature-inclusive living environment? What if we expand the green Bretten zone? What if we let more animals live in Sloterdijk than before? Who wouldn’t then want to live, work or spend time there? Huis te Bretten: a new nature-inclusive spot in Amsterdam!

‘Nature-inclusive construction’ is the main starting point. 20% of the roof surfaces and façades are reserved for flora and fauna to inhabit. The aim is not only to incorporate birds’ nests and beehives in the architecture but to strengthen the relationship between humans and animals. A relationship between all the residents of Huis te Bretten.