On the artificial IJburg island east of Amsterdam, the local Tennisclub IJburg now has an ultra modern clubhouse known as The Couch, designed by MVRDV and Studio Bouwkunde. Construction began later than originally announced last April and the building recently opened its doors to the public. Despite what one might assume, the new clubhouse won't serve as the central hub for the club's activities.

The finished design stayed true to the renderings. Aside its brick-red polymer-sprayed exterior and coordinating tennis courts, the 36-meter long clubhouse features a 322 m2 rooftop that dips in the center toward the south side of the building, and then ascends to the north side to a height of 7 meters. The rooftop therefore creates a tribune with terraced seating that can "comfortably" seat up to 200 spectators, as MVRDV describes.

Visitors lounging on the roof can watch a match in the center court or catch views of the IJburg on the other side. Anyone passing by the clubhouse can make a pit stop for snacks and refreshments.

Inside, the clubhouse includes a wood-clad multifunctional space (with that crazy-angled ceiling) for hosting events, as well as dressing rooms, a kitchen, storage, and toilets. According to the designers, the reduced glass surface on the south side of the structure and natural ventilation will help with cooling, whereas a district heating system equipped with a heat exchanger will warm up the interior.

Find more MVRDV projects on Archinect here.