26-01-2021
Architecture

Dutch Design Daily

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BureauVanEig www.bureauvaneig.nl

Porter’s lodge Westergasfabriek

By 26-01-2021

The new porter’s lodge for the site of the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam is located centrally on the site. The compact building can accommodate two doormen, a kitchen, toilet room, installations and storage space. The design is carefully fitted into the monumental environment.

The buildings and the terrain of the Westergasfabriek were designed by architect Isaac Gosschalk at the end of the 19th century. He designed in a Dutch Renaissance-eclectic style. The new building is octagonal, similar to the shape of the historic, demolished porter’s lodge. This shape is ideal for the function; it guarantees the right sight lines.

The choice has fallen on the use of – largely – bio based material and power generation. Apart from the finish of the façade, the entire little building is made of wood with a flaxwol insulation all around it. The six PV panels on the roof supply the space with power. The large awning has an inviting outlook and keeps off the sun.

The façade is finished with copper anodized aluminum tear plates that fit the industrial character of the area. The diamond-shaped tears form robust ornaments. The lineation and the copper color are in line with the surrounding buildings. The pale green frames and the overhang create a quirky character. The lettering gives an ornate accent to the lodge. From afar it looks like decoration, up close it expresses: light and energy, long live the Westergasfabriek!

Winner of Arie Kepplerprijs 2020

Photography: Allard van der Hoek, Max Hart Nibbrig