Vathorst Block 2
The final Vinex* expansion of Amersfoort is being developed on the northern side of Vathorst. Block 2 is the smallest building block in this new Town Centre Plan Vathorst and is part of the first phase of the plan. It is a closed building block including an inner courtyard atop the plinth. The plinth is fully used for retail space, while the volume above consists of residential units.
*A large-scale urban expansion area in the Netherlands, introduced in the 1990s and developed under the Vinex policy to manage population growth.
Programme
Residential housing, shops
Architect
G. Cito, L. Grooteman
Team
K. Verhoeven, T. Steenvoorden
Status
Completed
Year
2004 – 2009
Location
Amersfoort
Client
Stable International; BPD
Photographer
Katja Effting
Robust and timeless
The building volume is all-sided and has a monastery-like character, with its thick brick walls and a modest style. The windows feature protruding frames and deep recesses, creating a strong rhythm that is interrupted only by the balconies and the double-height entrance. The apartments have a very shallow depth (7.20 meters), which gives them beautifully long-stretched proportions and allows daylight to pour in from all sides. The apartments open onto a continuous gallery on the interior of the building. The materialisation is robust and timeless, with silver-scraped brick occasionally interspersed with blue-glazed brick, arranged in a pattern across the façade.
Landmark of the New Centre
Due to its central location, Block 2 takes on the role of the new town hall. The symmetry of the roof structure, grand central entrance, and deep-set windows reinforce this effect. The silver-toned brickwork makes the building sparkle, while the blue patterns lend it a festive expression. This striking design brings a dynamic energy to the new centre of Vathorst.