Sluishuis Amsterdam Façade cladding with TECTURA ALFHA1

The Sluishuis project required a uniform, shiny and reflective surface, as the façade reflects the surrounding water – at any time of the day in a different angle. Sluishuis is the new iconic entrance to the city of Amsterdam. The aluminium façade contributes to the net-zero energy requirements of the building.

The Sluishuis in Amsterdam was built in the Ijburg district and is a new interpretation of the traditional courtyard. The apartment complex in the water has an open gate on the side of the IJ River. The Sluishuis was designed by the famous Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and the Rotterdam-based BARCODE. The design initially appears square, but its appearance is different from each angle. The offset arrangement  connets the building to the existing low-rise houses in IJburg, and the gateway gives it a direct connection to the water of the river IJ.

Especially the construction in and around the water and the slanting “cantilever” ceiling of the gate have been a challenge for the aluminium façade in this project. The Sluishuis was built by the construction consortium of VORM and BESIX and contains around 442 appartments as well as an underground car park that goes up to two floors below sea level.

Additionally, the Sluishuis project offers moorings for residential and pleasure boats and areas for commercial activities. The rooftop is accessible for the public and functions as a green welcoming terrace.

The use of innovative techniques and materials make the Sluishuis Amsterdam an energy-neutral building. More aspects of sustainability are the circular construction, the use of recycled, reusable and renewable materials. In addition to using recycled concrete and wood finishes, the facade builder Sorba contributed by supplying and installing the aluminium facade panels. Our sheets of the material type TECTURA ALFHA1 will give the building a rich and natural look over the years. The abstract, untreated aluminum of the facade reflects the surrounding water and gives the building a different look at any time of day, inviting residents and guests to the neighborhood of IJburg.

Sluishuis won the award for 'Best Architecture Multiple Residence' at the European Property Awards 2022.