Kameleon

De Kameleon is a super-sized, mixed-use housing block of 55,500m2, in the area formerly known as Bijlmermeer. This area is currently going through a radical renovation process: standard low-rise housing is replacing the existing 10 storey apartment buildings and the green spaces in-between them. Kameleon is a statement to the still very urban nature of the Bijlmer.

The project is organized in horizontal slices. On the ground floor is the new shopping center; all shops are accessible directly from the street. From a passage on the ground floor an escalator connects to the supermarket and public parking. Parking for residents in located on the 2nd floor. A large garden is placed on top of the parking, including trees and a small river. The garden is surrounded by 164 apartments in a four storey configuration. The side facing the Karspeldreef is continuous and creates an 'urban wall' against street noise; the other side facing the typical hexagonal green space is punctured. These gaps can be used as playgrounds and for BBQs. The rhythmic zigzagging building bays of 8 meters corresponds with the parking and shopping grids and creates and dynamic facade. Every other carrying wall is extended to support the balconies and to provide privacy. A 10 story slab with 58 apartments rests on this flat block, creating a counterpoint to the horizontality and acting as a 'billboard' facing the subway. A supersized window visually connects the elevated metro station with the garden which is at precisely the same height.

Aside from more general sustainable considerations such as district heating and FSC wood elements, a major sustainable element is the choice of the 8 meter span previously mentioned. This size is ideal for a multitude of commercial and dwelling options, making the Kameleon a flexible and durable building.