‘De Watergeus’ in Amsterdam is a residential building on the site of a former swimming pool. This residential building was completed in the Dirkszstraat in the ‘De Baarsjes’ neighbourhood in Amsterdam in June 2008. This building was designed by Inbo and fits perfectly within its urban setting.

‘In its place’
We firmly believe that any new project introduced into an existing context needs first and foremost to be an enhancement to the neighbourhood. The ‘De Baarsjes’ is a carefully designed neighbourhood from the 1920s and the 1940s. The ‘De Watergeus’ is a new residential building which needed to fit comfortably with the existing surroundings. Our design objective was for people to be aware of the structure as new, and at the same time recognise that the building has found ‘its place’. Our intention has been successfully achieved.

Amsterdam detailing
The building has been designed with attention to some typical ‘Amsterdam’ detailing. These include the stone plinth and the oversized profiled frames set back just 20 mm from the façade line. In addition, all frames including those of full height steel doors, are fitted with rimless glazed parapets; details which give the design its characteristic feel and appearance.

Housing and parking
The ‘De Watergeus’ accommodates 35 apartments of 20 different types. Living-working apartments have been created on the ground and first floor and provided with their own access to the street. There are apartments of various dimensions on the other levels. The top floor features two penthouses offering impressive views across Amsterdam. Finally, 32 parking spaces are built at ground level, barely visible from the street.

Year: 2009
Client: ING Real Estate