Karsp / Residential High-Rise

Amsterdam

More information

KARSP is the first residential project of Bullewijk, a neighborhood in transformation in Amsterdam Southeast. From a monofunctional office location, it will change into a flourishing mixed-use neighborhood. KARSP sets the tone, as a high-quality residential building with a lively plinth that fits well on the Karspeldreef, an urban street in development. The building offers space for 274 rental apartments ranging from 30 m² to 80 m², distributed over two residential towers that feature an attractive lobby, a spacious parking garage and bicycle storage.
Pioneering project

KARSP replaces an old office building and is the first residential project in the Bullewijk subarea of Amstel III. This neighborhood in Amsterdam Southeast was originally designed as a monofunctional area with large office volumes, amid open parking areas. However, since the financial crisis, the district has been struggling with increasing vacancy rates. The municipality has therefore developed a new vision for Amstel III, as a green, mixed urban district where you can enjoy living, working and recreation. The ambition was to use KARSP to show the potential of Bullewijk as a multifunctional living and working area.

Two towers, one identity
KARSP consists of one higher and one lower residential tower, connected by a two-story parking garage. The northern tower is located on Karspeldreef and is approximately 70 meters tall. This building section has a clear connection to the street, thanks to the double-height plinth with space for commercial facilities. The facade spans the entire plot so that, with further development, Karspeldreef can become a real, continuous city street. The southern, lower tower is 50 meters tall and opens to Bullewijkpad. This side is quieter, with a bike path and lots of greenery. The plinth on this side will get a social function. Next to the towers, there is space for a “pocket park”.

Residential appearance
In form, texture and materialization, KARSP has a distinctly residential character. The facade is constructed of brick in a light gray hue, which closely matches the color of concrete. This ensures that the brick facade and the prefabricated, concrete balconies are visually integrated. However, up close, the difference in texture becomes apparent. The gray tones of the exterior flow into the interiors of the common areas, such as the entrance and parking garage.

Residences with a view
The distinctive shape of the residential towers is determined by the arrangement of the apartments. They are organized per floor in a cross-like layout, around the elevators and stairwells. This way, each apartment has a cross-corner orientation, with maximum views of the developing neighborhood on two sides. The lockable loggias frame the panorama, while also providing the soundproofing required by the nearby highway. The 274 apartments range in size from 30 m2 to 80 m2 and are equipped with all amenities. Because the apartments are intended for different target groups, the bedrooms are extra spacious. As a result, not only families, but also groups of friends can live there comfortably.

Sustainable development
KARSP meets all sustainability requirements. There are solar cells on the roofs of the towers and each apartment is equipped with energy-saving technologies. On top of the parking garage is a green roof, which, in addition to cooling, provides water retention. The above-ground parking garage has space for residents’ cars and bicycles. It also provides shared cars, which can be reserved via a special app. Thanks to skylights and large windows facing the street, there is plenty of light in the parking garage.
KARSP is delivered with an A+++ energy label.