REM island Amsterdam | Concrete Architectural Associates

REM island Together with the housing corporation ‘DePrincipaal’ Nick van Loon developed the project in 2008. Concrete designed the renovation and expansion of the REM-island, Nick designed the interior. The REM-island is located in the Houthavens Amsterdam at the end of the Haparandadam and plays an active role promoting the endless possibilities of gentrifying the former harbor area. Becoming part of the compact dense city as a more sustainable alternative for sub-urban development. An example of transforming and reusing property, showing also off shore and industrial buildings can be re-used instead of turned into waste. The program consists of an office function on deck 01 and a restaurant on deck 02 & 03, an additional floor was created spreading the restaurant over two floors. A large public roof terrace is at 25 meters high, with a fantastic 360-degree view. The distinctive red and white-checkered building rests on 12- meter high columns and was placed 15 meters of shore. A steel footbridge leads up to the building guiding you through the steel construction. The red and white-checkered pattern of the building is continued in the new floor externally. The red parts of the façade are solid while the white parts are large glass windows. Characteristic existing details were preserved and reused. External footbridges, signal lights and the lifeboat were placed back on the island. The added floor was placed on the former helicopter-platform designed on the same grid as the existing structure. Parts of the facade and columns are welded on site to form a subtle transition between old and new. Staircases, landings and research-platforms were made accessible, to ensure the island retains its original atmosphere. Original fences were renovated and customized to meet current standards.