Java island, Amsterdam

The building is the last in the series of contiguous housing blocks on Amsterdam's Java island. This has been subdivided into a number of units, each with its own orientation and access. The two higher symmetrical units look out onto the water and the adjacent park respectively. Stairs and a lift in the middle of each unit provide access to three apartments on each floor. The front doors of the maisonettes on the ground floor and first floor open directly into the street. The two narrow buildings bordering the small side canal are lower, with a different colour so that they blend in more with their adjacent façades. All elevations are constructed of brick piers with recessed windows, and light concrete strips interrupt the dark brickwork horizontally. The extra-deep section of wall below the maisonettes' windows gives the building a high base. The towering brick piers on each side of the two symmetrical units, combined with the broad eaves, give the building its powerful contour.


Architect: Herman Zeinstra
Team: J. J. Roeten, P. de Bruin, M. de Vries
Number: 9701
Status: Built
Year: 1997 - 2001
Client: Moes projectontwikkeling, Almere

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