Amsterdam's municipality has selected project developer VORM to construct a distinctive heart-shaped residential tower on the Buikslotermeerplein in Amsterdam-Noord. The 'Hartje Noord' project will deliver approximately 110 medium-priced rental homes with a pink façade and rooftop garden, marking a significant addition to the area's urban regeneration efforts.
The development will complement the existing 't Warderschip building, incorporating similar architectural elements such as characteristic arches whilst introducing bold contemporary design. Ground and first floors will accommodate hospitality venues and community facilities, creating an active street-level experience in what officials envision as a vibrant, green district centre.
"This is an important step for the Buikslotermeerplein. We are creating a lively and green centre area for Amsterdam-Noord here. This plan proves that affordable rental housing of high quality, sustainability and special architecture can go hand in hand. My compliments to VORM for the plan and I hope that we can start development soon," said Alderman Steven van Weyenberg (Land & Development).
VORM won the competitive tender by scoring highest across four critical assessment criteria: spatial quality, sustainability, dwelling sizes, and participation during design and construction phases. Both a professional municipal jury and a neighbourhood panel evaluated the submissions, with VORM's comprehensive approach to community engagement and commitment to energy-neutral construction using recycled materials proving decisive. The developer will acquire the bottom two floors of 't Warderschip from the municipality for refurbishment, with residents actively participating in rooftop garden design.
The energy-neutral building's use of recycled materials positions the project favourably for ESG-focused investment whilst demonstrating compliance with increasingly stringent EU taxonomy requirements for sustainable construction. This approach could become a blueprint for developers seeking to balance affordability with environmental credentials, a combination that remains elusive in many European markets facing acute housing shortages.
Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2027, with the planning period extending through environmental permit approval. The integration of affordable housing within architecturally ambitious, sustainable design addresses the Netherlands' acute housing shortage whilst maintaining the distinctive character that makes Amsterdam-Noord increasingly attractive to residents and investors alike.
People mentioned:
Steven van Weyenberg, Alderman for Land & Development, Amsterdam Municipality
Companies mentioned:
VORM, Project Developer
Image source: Impression provided by VORM (not final design)
