Buildings as material banks in Amsterdam

Photo: ABN Amro office in Circl, Amsterdam

Architecture in Amsterdam

“Throughout the year Amsterdam is one of Europe’s foremost architecture and design city, not only because of 17-th century rings of canals. Amsterdam is where modern architecture developed organically between facades of historical buildings. Since it is not a very big city, all sites of interest are within acceptable distance, this is why Amsterdam is so popular with lovers of architecture” Amsterdam.info.

Six meters below sealevel, the city known for its aesthetically pleasing brick residences built by wealthy merchants from the 17th century are vulnerable to increasing sealevels caused by climatechange. The Netherlands is taking serious measures against climatechange caused by humans and is the world leader of circular economy in architecture today. Recycled materials in Breeam ceritified buildings are found in largescale areas.

The world famous brick buildings of Amsterdam have lasted for hundreds of years surrounding the canals and giving the city a welcoming atmosphere.

Circular Economy and buildings as materialbanks

Circl is a green area in Amsterdam Center surrounded by Breeam Excellent buildings focusing on circular economy. ABN Ambro main office building has solely reused or recycled materials. Rainwater is used in the wc. The café has vertical plant walls outside and serve excellent organic food inside or on the rooftop.

Cradle-to-cradle office space

High-end architecture and innovative technology meet in a business park that puts the human experience centre stage. Built on healthy and sustainable foundations.

Park 20|20.Hoofddorp Business Park– Amsterdam region has Cradle-to-Cradle philosophy. The office buildings and cinema can easily be redesigned into other types of buildings as residential. The rooms and walls are flexible and all materials are documented for environmental qualities, re-design, re-use or recycling in the future.

The outdoor area designed for urban farming is caring for biodiversity with plants, water, birds and insects. A greenhouse and arable produces vegetables to the café or for the employees to bring home.

Eco-cafes and hotels

Finding eco-friendly services and products is easy in Amsterdam. The businesses proudly promote their eco-friendly aspects.

De Ceuvel  in Amsterdam Noord is a recycled shipyard on polluted ground were old houseboats are saved and used as offices. Outdoors they are producing vegetables on floating beds in the canal. The café is a very popular meeting spot for the citizens of Amsterdam, serving only organic food and drinks. The Noord area in Amsterdam has become popular after redesign like this recycled café by the canal. You can easily get there by taking a free ferry by the Central Station and bike 5 minutes.

Buitenplantage  is a café serving only organic food. It is located close to beautiful and less crowded Haarlem and built solely by recycled materials. The landscape and biodiversity melt together with their playful outdoor area.

We stayed at the Green Key Gold Hotel La Boheme well located and close to Vondelpark were a bike rental is around the corner. The small hotel is popular and make sure to reserve a room upfront.

The welcoming atmosphere of the architecture and people in Amsterdam is well worth a visit.

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Circl Breeam offices in Amsterdam
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Office buildings in Park2020 Amsterdam
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