Freebooter is the first residential projectof Amsterdam-based architecture and design practice GG-loop. The complex, situated on Amsterdam’s Zeeburgereiland consists of a pair of two-bedroom apartments of 120 m2each.
The starting point for the project was the Netherlands’ maritime past. Like much of the Netherlands, Zeeburgereiland was under water until 1910 and the surrounding body of water in which it stands used to be the main thoroughfare for ships docking into Amsterdam.
The main materials used in the building were wood, steel and glass, like a ship. The floor plan of each apartment, referencing a ship’s layout, is organic and free flowing, with step inclines to spaces that are designed to envelop and ‘unfold’ as you move through it.
One of the most important features of the Freebooter development is the use of light. As each home’s light changes every minute of every day and even seasonally, Garziano conducted a year-round study of light conditions to create the optimal shape and positioning of the louvres. The parametric facade enables optimal distribution of light while simultaneously allowing for an appropriate level of privacy.
The hybrid structure consists of cross laminated timber (CLT) and steeland was prefabricated offsite, allowing for an exceptionally fast build-time of three weeks for the four floors.
Photos: Francisco Nogueira, Michael Sieber
