Sluishuis, Residential building in Steigereiland, Netherlands
Sluishuis is a residential building on Amsterdam's waterfront featuring a distinctive tilted form that resembles an open lock gate. The structure houses apartments on upper levels with ground-floor amenities including a restaurant, sailing school, and water sports center integrated into the design.
The project began in December 2018 as a collaboration between Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group and Dutch firm Barcode Architects, completing in July 2022. It was part of the transformation of the Steigereiland harbor area into a contemporary residential neighborhood.
The building mixes residential, working, and public spaces along the waterfront, bringing together people from different backgrounds and creating a vibrant community. The design encourages residents and visitors to linger and connect informally throughout the day.
The location is easily walkable from central Amsterdam and offers direct access to ferries crossing the IJ Lake. Visitors can freely explore the public areas at ground level and enjoy the restaurant and recreational facilities without restrictions.
The aluminum exterior shifts in appearance throughout the day as light angles change and water reflections play across its surface, making the building look different at each hour. This constant interplay of light and reflection means visitors see something new depending on when and from where they approach.
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