KCAP has completed the housing block The Grid in the new residential neighbourhood ‘Aan het IJ’ along the river IJ in Amsterdam North, facing the Central Station. The project is part of the transformation of the former industrial site Overhoeks into a diverse district for living and working. Within the development of the district Aan het IJ, The Grid presents itself as an all-sided, stacked living world with 68 spacious apartments around an interior green courtyard. KCAP designed The Grid in commission of Amvest, Amsterdam.

‘The Grid appears as a building made of balconies,’ says Irma van Oort, architect and partner of KCAP. ‘Each unit of The Grid has at least one balcony, depending on the size of the dwelling. In this way, the actual living space is extended outwards and enters a dialogue with its surroundings.’ Storey-high, wide sliding windows allow for the creation of additional loggias. The terraces provide plenty of light inside and also enhance the spatial appearance of The Grid. Thanks to the way the terraces are stacked, all outdoor spaces enjoy sufficient privacy; a special integrated rainwater drainage system in the construction takes account of the stepped shape of the terraces. Planting on the balconies in combination with the green courtyard designed by Sant&Co will ensure that The Grid becomes increasingly green over the years.

The name ‘The Grid’ refers to the importance of the grid for the design and the appearance of the building. With balconies opening on every side, The Grid has no actual front or back, defining a new type of residence. The grid of the stacked terraces is enriched by a striking material mix, consisting of a façade clad in natural stone from the Jura region combined with floor-to-ceiling glas. On the top, a light-gloss, brass-coloured anodised aluminium crown completes the building and creates an elegant and luxurious expression. The diverse material palette, which includes both smooth and rough surfaces, allows The Grid to change its character according to the light and weather conditions, while creating a consistently appealing living environment.