Amsterdam’s new Amstelkwartier district has added another iconic silhouette to its skyline with the introduction of Elements, the city’s latest hybrid timber residential high rise.

Kondor Wessels Vastgoed was looking for a futureproof and sustainable design that balanced aesthetic appeal with energy efficiency, and other key performance indicators such as daylight, sunlight, and wind comfort. 

We used a generative design algorithm to create a solution that met all predefined key performance indicators. By collaborating closely with the client and architects, we developed a functional, aesthetically pleasing building shape that helped to optimise energy performance. Our multidisciplinary team provided structural engineering, building physics, fire and acoustic services to realise the project. 

Sustainable urban development

This project underscores the importance of sustainable urban development. By integrating advanced parametric design and sustainable practices, we contributed to Amsterdam’s goal of reducing CO₂ -emissions by 95% by 2050. Elements serves as a model for future timber-hybrid buildings, showcasing the potential for energy neutral residential solutions. 

Standing by the river Amstel, the 70m high hybrid timber tower has a recognisable faceted outline, as though sculpted by the elements: sun, wind and water. Arup was engaged by Kondor Wessels Vastgoed for our expertise in parametric design, paired with our sustainability-driven vision and multidisciplinary in-dept domain knowledge.   

Arup’s ability to provide guidance and connect the traditional design phase of architecture with the modern parametric modelling is the next level in sustainability and consumer experience.

Silvie Bruijning

Kondor Wessels Vastgoe

Parametric design

At the start of the project, the entire team identified and agreed on six key sustainability performance indicators to drive the parametric design process. These indicators embed sustainability at the heart of the design, including at building scale (daylight and sun), at neighborhood scale (wind and green spaces) and at planetary scale (energy and carbon). We worked closely with Kondor Wessels Vastgoed and Koschuch Architects to generate various shapes that would best match the different performance indicators, creating an informed decision-making process that embeds sustainability at the heart of the iconic building silhouette. Both chiselled by the elements, and harnessing their power, the buildings distinctive profile offers a different geometry from every angle.   

With a total gross floor area of 14,800 m², the building will house 70 medium-sized rental properties and 74 owner-occupied properties, with commercial facilities on the ground floor, a green roof garden and photovoltaic panels integrated in the building's façade. 

 

Render of Elements. Credit: Beauty & the BIT
Render of Elements interior
Render of Elements, Amsterdam. Image: Beauty & the BIT
Designed with sustainability at the heart, and green spaces. 

We also provided structural engineering, building physics, fire and acoustic engineering services for the Kondor Wessels Vastgoed development, working alongside Koschuch Architects, BOOM Landscape, Wessels Zeist and HVTC amongst others. This collaborative effort resulted in a building shape optimised for daylight, sunlight, wind comfort, and energy efficiency.  

The Elements building stands as a testament to innovative and sustainable design. The hybrid timber-steel-concrete structure reduces CO2 emissions by more than 50%, while the building’s geometry offers unique aesthetic appeal from every angle. The project features flexible duplex apartments, a green roof garden, and photovoltaic panels, ensuring energy neutrality. 

The ground floor serves as a vibrant community space with facilities for both residents and locals, including a bar, a brewery utilising rainwater from the roof to craft its beer, multifunctional commercial spaces, and an indoor pool with views over the Amstel River. This blend of sustainable architecture and community-focused design reflects Amsterdam’s commitment to creating a sustainable city for future generations.