NL architects: siloo o

'siloo o' by NL architects in amsterdam, the netherlands
all images courtesy NL architects

A second proposal for the reuse and design of a silo on the island of zeeburgereiland, 'siloo o' by
dutch practice NL architects is an indoor and outdoor world-class venue for climbing and mountaineering 
in amsterdam, the netherlands. while the team lost the initial competition for the project back in 2009, 
plans for an office building was abandoned for one of the three silos which created a new opportunity for 
the realization of the earlier scheme. the updated design features extrusions on its facade to provide 
outdoor overhangs as well as balconies. 


exterior view

located adjacent to one another on a rectangular plot, the 42m-tall design is wrapped in a triangulated 
exterior which has been manipulated to create moments of extension.  the silo was intentionally
approached as a sculptural object to make transparent the individual identity and program of each storage
tower. as the structure rises, the triangular motif results in glazed apertures, creating windows with 
views of the surrounding site.


view from street

the interior climbing space is a tapering cave which rises to a height of 20 meters. natural daylight
is gained through a large window while an opening at the top leads in to the boulder room. 
the higher storeys accommodate office space for sports and climbing-related businesses. 

to create cohesion between the three autonomous structures, the plot is transformed into a continuous 
green carpet which has been raised at certain points  as a three-dimensional park. ground-level boulders
and playground surround the foot of the building, providing a dynamic public realm for the neighbourhood. 
other facilities such as a bar, library, information center, travel center, and a showroom are located on 
the ground level. 

to read more about NL architects' original scheme, click here for our coverage of the project from 2009. 


triangulated exterior


outdoor climbing surface


3D park


playground and outdoor space


overhang


during summer


during winter


indoor climbing space


interior view


office on fifth floor


during a climbing event




schematic diagram of exterior skin


schematic diagram of volumes


schematic diagram of outdoor green space


placement of climbing routes




floor plan / level 0


floor plan / level +1


floor plan / level +2


floor plan / level +3


floor plan / level +4


floor plan / level +5


section


programs

project info:

client: amvest and blauwhoed
architects: pieter bannenberg, walter van dijk, kamiel klaasse
design team: arne van wees, gen yamamoto