On July 7, Dura Vermeer started the construction of social housing project The August (Blok F). The August is part of the new urban district Overhoeks on the northern IJ-bank in Amsterdam, just across from Central Station. The building consists of 175 social rental apartments for housing association Ymere. The groundbreaking was celebrated with all parties involved by burying a time capsule with a message to the future.
Courtyard with artworks
Designed by Team V, The August is a compact U-shaped building with setback at the top, softened by rounded corners and the staggered balconies. The semi-public courtyard, designed by landscape architect Sant en Co, will be completed with mosaic designs by renowned artist Kiki van Eijk. The artworks come about as a patchwork of forms, colours and textures. They are inspired by the adjacent Van der Pek neighborhood, with nooks and corners and sculptural pebbles, creating a tangible ‘soft scape’. The ground floor will house two commercial-social spaces.
Affordable and sustainable
A short construction time was important in this project, as The August provides much needed affordable housing in Amsterdam. To speed up the process, the building is constructed using prefab exterior and interior elements. The building will arrive on the building site in parts, to be assembled quickly and neatly on site. The August will have a heat/cold storage system and will also provide other building blocks on Overhoeks with energy. Completion is planned for the end of 2023.
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