Uithoorn, Allure aan de Amstel

PERFECT COMBINATION OF ALUMINIUM WITH OTHER MATERIALS

The Allure project on the Amstel in Uithoorn is somewhat difficult to define. The 45 apartments, spread across three blocks, have a certain resemblance to historic canal houses but are simultaneously modern and sleek. Sleek, yet highly varied. They exude a retro-like atmosphere while also meeting the description of "timeless." In any case, it is certainly something special. This is also true for the location of this section, which is part of the new Vinckebuurt residential area. Allure on the Amstel is located both on the edge of Uithoorn’s town centre and alongside the Amstel River. And it certainly has allure. This is also the view of Danny Kok, architect at TBE-ZA architects and engineers from Volendam, and co-owner Bert Verweij, who were part of the design team.

Timeless accent

Danny Kok: “The current design evolved from an initial concept that had a much more classical appearance. Upon further reflection, we felt it was better to give it a timeless accent, without losing the connection to the past. We deliberately left out classical details, but it still references the historical surroundings of Uithoorn.” “And,” adds Bert Verweij, “we wanted to give Allure on the Amstel a stately look, without creating a massive building. The mass is broken up by the different facades, which resemble the classical canal houses you find in Amsterdam.” It’s a particularly successful design that you can look at with pleasure. The lively character is determined not only by the different types of facades, heights, and shapes, but also by the diverse use of materials and colours.

Versatile design

Allure on the Amstel has been designed with a nearly 360-degree orientation, meaning that all apartments have a view of the Amstel River. The other side connects to the neighbourhood. As a result, you can’t really speak of a front or back. Unlike the 17th-century canal houses in Amsterdam, the complex features an underground parking garage.

What stands out is the variety of facades. “This has also led to many different floor plans,” explains Danny Kok. “Different apartments with their own unique qualities. In total, there are 45 apartments, of which around 28 are different.” “That makes the complex unique,” says Bert Verweij. “It has something surprising.”

Materialization

In terms of materialization, modern materials were also chosen. Danny Kok: "One of the factors here was that we could emphasize the contemporary character through the choice of materials. This led to a more refined detailing, such as aluminium water table elements and wall caps, which are also equipped with aluminium baluster systems in some places. Two types of brick were used, some facades are finished with stucco, and there are zinc details— in short, a lively combination of mostly low-maintenance materials."

Low-maintenance aluminium detailing

The choice of aluminium detailing, which has been extensively applied, is, according to Bert Verweij, due to the sustainable nature of the material: "The low-maintenance aspect is important. You can also detail it very precisely. In addition, the aluminium water tables, with the special header detail, and the wall caps with custom stucco trays, fit perfectly with the stucco. They also combine well with the plastic window frames, which have a subtle glitter. You wouldn't combine that with wooden frames or glazed stone window sills, for example."