Schipholweg, one of the main road arteries into Haarlem, is changing character in a big way. With the realisation of three large scale developments and the arrival of a new public transport HUB, this current transfer area will develop into an urban and vibrant part of the city. Situated where Schipholweg crosses Haarlem’s city river Spaarne, Schipholweg 1 defines the new attractive entrance to this area, linking the inner city of Haarlem more profoundly with the southern district of Schalkwijk. Next to the large scale urban building of Schipholweg 1, the project consists of a smaller wooden building comprising circular social housing. Schipholweg 1 will be the second tallest building of Haarlem, behind the Grote or St.-Bavo church.

The massing of Schipholweg 1 is a composed urban volume: on a base which connects to the curve of the Schipholweg accents are developed. Staggered and of different heights, the accents provide an instant skyline whilst forming an integral part with the base. Accents are chamfered for a slimmer profile, also seen from the lower existing surrounding buildings to the north.

A mixed programme consists of different sized apartments (ranging from 45 to approximately 200 m2) and facing the river office lofts. A grand plinth of two extra high floors opens towards the new urban space of Schipholweg. Here the entrances to the apartments and commercial space are located. Parking is realised within the building with an automated parking system. On level below the roof garden for residents on the seventh floor, the roof terrace of the public restaurant overlooks Spaarne river on the sixth floor.

Main architectural feature are the outdoor spaces that run the entire lengths of the facades. Ample vertical green supports the nature inclusive design. The facades are coloured in earth red tones, based on the colours to be found in the historical inner city of Haarlem.

The wooden building on Hamelinkstraat fits its context like a puzzle piece and forms the introduction to the urban scale jump of Schipholweg. Developed for local housing corporation Elan wonen, the situation of the main entrance anticipates a possible future connection for pedestrians. On ground level, studios are situated, opening to the street and inner green court. Below, a parking garage is located. A common roof terraces is positioned on the fifth floor. Next to its sustainable CLT construction, facades are matching that identity, clad in vertical and horizontal orientated wood, on top of a robust stone plinth. Outdoor spaces and galleries run the lengths of the facades and support both the volume stacking and the curve of the new profile of Hamelinkstraat.