Project: Q Residences
Architecture: Studio Gang
Development Partner: NEOO
Associate Architect: Rijnboutt
Interior Design: Studio Piet Boon
Landscape Architect and Public Space Design: Piet Oudolf in collaboration with Deltavormgroep
Structural Engineer: IMD Raadgevende Ingenieurs
General Contractor: JP van EESTEREN B.V.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Ossip van Duivenbode
Q Residences, Studio Gang’s first completed building in Europe, directly addresses Amsterdam’s urgent housing needs while creating a vibrant mixed-use community at a key intersection in Amsterdam-Zuid. Located in the heart of Buitenveldert—one of the last garden cities in the capital—the project draws on the neighborhood’s relaxed, green atmosphere to offer dense yet comfortable living.
A Dynamic Two-Volume Design
The masterplan introduces two distinct building volumes: Quartz, a high-rise, and Qube, a mid-rise. Together, they add 248 new residences to the city. In doing so, the design injects an organic, sculptural quality into the rational rectilinearity of the surrounding 1950s developments. Angled balconies with staggered depths create an origami-like pattern that wraps around the taller building. This not only lends an undulating rhythm to the façade but also builds visual connections between neighboring apartments while providing ample shade. Similarly, the mid-rise mirrors these geometric details, ensuring that every resident enjoys abundant natural light, fresh air, and easy access to the outdoors.
Material Innovation and Urban Harmony
The architects achieved a striking balance by combining traditional materials with contemporary ones. Pre-cast concrete facades blend seamlessly with the historic context, while dark bronze aluminum panels add a modern edge that makes Q Residences both harmonious and distinctive. At the urban scale, the design and landscape collaborate to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. New pathways through the block reinforce key urban axes and link the buildings’ retail spaces and public amenities, including a green plaza designed by Piet Oudolf with Deltavormgroep.
Sustainability at Its Core
The project also prioritizes sustainability. Its energy-efficient envelope, high-performance heating and cooling system, and rooftop photovoltaic panels support Amsterdam’s ambitious environmental goals. By embracing passive design strategies, Q Residences not only reduces energy consumption but also evolves the garden-city legacy of Buitenveldert.
In summary, Q Residences stands as a forward-thinking model for urban regeneration. It redefines residential living in Amsterdam by blending innovative design with historical context, ensuring both a vibrant community and a sustainable future.
