The Ark

The Ark

The Ark is a unique, striking, and sustainable building featuring both owner-occupied and private rental apartments. It is the first building in the district largely constructed from wood, making it one of the most innovative developments in the new urban area Aan het IJ. The architectural firm Powerhouse Company designed The Ark, combining minimal environmental impact with maximum living comfort for future residents.

Buzz and tranquility

The Ark is located between the water of the Buiksloterkanaal and the Docklandsweg, creating a beautiful contrast between the urban liveliness of Docklandsweg on one side and ultimate tranquility by the water on the other. This contrast is clearly reflected in the design. The façade along Docklandsweg has a sleek stepped structure, while the façade facing the water slopes outward. This angled façade ensures optimal water views. The outdoor spaces follow the opposite logic: they are angled on the Docklandsweg side and straight along the Buiksloterkanaal.

The side façades of The Ark feature varying gutter heights, resulting in an asymmetrical stepped design and a dynamic visual appearance. Large windows ensure excellent natural light throughout the apartments.

A mix of owner-occupied and rental homes

The 44 owner-occupied apartments in The Ark are located on the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors. Buyers can choose between two-, three-, and four-room apartments, with living areas ranging from 56 to 110 m². The rental apartments are situated on the ground floor up to the fourth floor. The plinth will accommodate six commercial units with inviting storefronts. The combination of light concrete and light brickwork gives the ground floor a luxurious appearance.

A remarkable entrance

The main entrance to The Ark is located on Docklandsweg. Architectural elements from the exterior—such as the light-colored brickwork and wooden detailing—are continued into the central lobby and corridors. Each floor is given its own accent color, starting with a warm brown tone on the ground floor and gradually becoming lighter on each level, culminating in a beautiful sand color at the top. The central void allows natural daylight to filter down, enhancing these color transitions.

From the ground-floor lobby, you can access the parking garage and residential floors via the stairwell and elevators. The lobby also provides access to the shared private garden on the waterside.

Outdoor living at The Ark

All apartments at The Ark feature a private balcony or terrace. The balconies are finished with steel balustrades, and their open design ensures optimal views of the dynamic surroundings.

The communal garden, located on the ground floor along the Buiksloterkanaal, is a perfect place to relax. Read a book on one of the benches or enjoy a coffee or drinks with your neighbors. The inner garden is designed by Buro Sant & Co, the landscape architect responsible for all gardens, green areas, and parks in the Aan het IJ district. Naturally, their design seamlessly aligns with the building by Powerhouse Company.