The realization of the new construction project IJgenwijs was officially launched on Thursday, September 30, 2021. IJgenwijs consists of 34 new homes, which are developed in co-ownership. Kondor Wessels Vastgoed (VolkerWessels), the municipality of Amsterdam, Bébouw Midreth (VolkerWessels) and Elephant have together symbolically driven the first pile into the ground, thus signalling the start of construction.
Co-commissioning
IJgenwijs is developed together with the future residents in co-commissioning partnership. The residents have largely been given a say in their future homes, but also in what the apartment complex will ultimately look like.
The co-commissioning process started in mid-2019 and during this process the future residents chose to work with the architectural firm Elephant to shape and give substance to the residential building and apartments, under the supervision of Kondor Wessels Vastgoed. The atmosphere that the Elephant architects have given to the residential building is one of security and a green heart.
Sustainability
In the design much attention has been paid to sustainability and the human dimension. IJgenwijs has an Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC) of -0.30. Lower than 0 means 'very energy efficient'. IJgenwijs will have a ‘polder’ roof with a water buffer system where rainwater will be temporarily retained and the courtyard garden will be automatically watered.
Centre Island
IJgenwijs is located in the heart of Centrumeiland and rises on the highest point of the island in Amsterdam-IJburg. Centrumeiland is the largest self-build location in Amsterdam. Instead of project-based city blocks, this is where the majority of the homes will be self-built. In this way residents contribute greatly to the appearance of the neighbourhood. This new urban district will be car-free and rainproof. Air, water and natural greenery are always nearby and the district gives priority to cyclists, pedestrians and playing children.
Bébouw Midreth is responsible for the realization of IJgenwijs. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2022.