Jeruzalem Blok N

Blok N is designed as a striking pavilion that fronts all sides of its park-like surrounds. The complex completes the regeneration of the post-war Jeruzalem neighbourhood. With Jeruzalem Blok N, Studioninedots gave a its view on Amsterdam's quantitative challenge of social housing, one focused on high quality and adding an unexpected layer of beauty. The architects’ ambition was to rethink the possibilities of social housing within the given constraints and site conditions; the result is a distinctive, compact building that addresses the need for comfortable, sustainable and life cycle proof living and respects the history of this heritage-listed site.

The Blok N complex unfolds from the green heart of the neighbourhood as two connected volumes that step up towards Frankendael Park. The existing Modernistic structure of green axes remained central in the 2009 urban renewal plan. Being the urban designer, Studioninedots has a longterm commitment to the area and its residents – no wonder all fundamentals of the renewal easily blend in the architectural design of Blok N. Blok N is designed as a pavilion in the park. The heigh volume marks the entrance of the neighbourhood; the volume behind it meets the surrounding lowrise housing. The footprint is compact to maximise green space and not block the role of the landscape. Blok N has been set back from the street, so the heritagelisted postwar housing still visually dominates this axis. The 3Dgrid of balconies wraps the entire building, fronts all sides, and the white concrete of the prefab parts lend visual cohesion to the architecture and matches the colour of the surrounding housing. The series of balconies create a gradual transition from the public green space to the private living space, a buffer zone. Above all, it defines the architectural identity of Blok N.

The housing block N consists of two volumes, connected by a shared bicycle parking encouraging the most sustainable way of transport: cycling. Entrees and organization are efficient, the clear layout of the apartments (48-61 m2) is oriented on maximum views from the living spaces. Studioninedots’ construction design focusses on one intervention that improves the quality of life and defines the architecture: the balconies. The entire building is wrapped in continuous white concrete balconies punctuated by an irregular rhythm of vertical fins, for privacy and shelter from wind, rain and sun, resulting in an eye-catching three-dimensional grid. Every apartment has access to a private balcony that extends the entire width of the dwelling – at the corner apartments even for no less than 14 meters. High windows and sliding doors allow residents to enjoy more daylight, air and views. Studioninedots opted for a prefab construction for high-quality finish, time saving, cost efficiency and minimisation of waste. The colour and composition of the façade construction blend easily into the neighbourhood of prefab, white, post-war houses.