DIY-housing Project Amstelloft in Amsterdam by WE architecten.

Inspired by dwellings housed within old schools, churches and vast warehouses, the collective DIY-housing project Amstelloft in Amsterdam, designed by WE architecten, is a series of individually tailored spacious loft-apartments. Featuring flexible double-height spaces consisting of open lofts right through to four-bedroom-apartments, the project extensively involved all the future inhabitants of the building during the design phase of the project.

WE architecten were the key drivers and initiators of this unique DIY-housing development. During various information evenings held, a group of enthusiastic future inhabitants was formed around the spacious living concept pitched by the architects. The council awarded the initiative with a beautiful site with fantastic views of Amstel river running through the heart of Amsterdam.

The arched facade openings enhance the experience of the double-high spaces and render the DIY-housing structure with a bold and outspoken character. These large openings and voids have resulted in deep and bright apartments, allowing daylight to penetrate deep within the floor plan. The compact building approach was an important aspect of realising the project’s significant sustainability ambitions.

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Living spaces feature a soaring ceiling height of 5.5 meters, allowing every household to realise their own needs and dreams inside. The concrete structure was designed so that it can be fitted with additional timber floors, making the volume easily adaptable when the interior no longer fits the user.

One important principle was the separation of the building structure and the interiors, which gives individual households full freedom within their own living spaces. This deviation from the regular building process required a thorough coordination with the council.

The DIY-housing concept, dubbed ‘Living like in Old Schools, Churches and Warehouses’ was wholeheartedly embraced by all the clients, resulting in a surprising variety of lively and spacious interiors. Extremely awesome!