IJburg Block 65b

The particular design by moriko kira architect in the Amsterdam IJburg district looks like a green village at the foot of a large mountain. For block 65b the firm chose an approach that contrasts with the closed block structure and uniform housing typologies that are characteristic of IJburg. Moriko Kira: 'The street design and the atmosphere of the IJburg neighbourhoods are pretty similar. I think that IJburg wants and deserves more diversity and unique locations. But those kinds of qualities don't just arise by themselves.' Block 65b is connected to the central city heating system, which uses leftover heat from big electricity centres. It is on the east bank of Haveneiland, where the city canal runs into the IJmeer. This canal separates block 65b from 65a, designed as a huge mountain with spacious terraces that recede like the steps of a ziggurat. Block 65b owes its villagelike character to the detached smallscale buildings that are connected by walkways and form an open block with an intimate enclosed garden and a small harbour. The two blocks combine to form an unusual landscape entity that is the sum total of various dwellings and outdoor spaces. The structure of Block 65b and the various terraces yield a striking combination of urban density and an openness towards the city and the landscape. The tension between visibility and privacy plays an important role for the residents of this ensemble. In the building footprint of 1200 m2, the 23 apartments, 2 maisonettes and single penthouse have therefore been so designed that it is always possible to escape from the gaze of your neighbours while at the same time feeling that you are part of an urban community. Most of the apartments have three or even four outer walls, which makes them seem like detached homes.