The Ark
Living well in Wood
The Ark is a residential building that embodies our shared belief with Amvest in the future of timber construction. Drawing on our expertise in wooden structures and an ambitious brief, the building positions timber as a driver of architectural innovation, long-term quality, and well-being in housing.
As a team, we have long recognized timber as a material of the future and have continuously expanded our expertise in its applications.’
Timber structure
Building for the Future
Building for the Future
Located in Overhoeks, a rapidly developing district, The Ark is part of a transformation that will shape Amsterdam’s identity for decades. Designing for this context demanded a long-term vision and a shared commitment between the Municipality of Amsterdam, Amvest, and our design team. The project is driven by the team’s belief that sustainable development must go beyond performance targets and construction methods. The Ark contributes 125 apartments to Overhoeks and uses this scale to explore what high-quality living means both in the present and in the decades ahead. The building brings together environmental responsibility, social value, and spatial generosity, ensuring that long-term urban growth is matched by homes that support both comfort and everyday well-being.
Timber allows biophilic design to be felt rather than explained, creating a psychological comfort rooted in our relationship with natural materials.’
Timber Tactility
Timber Tactility
Housing has a direct impact on mental well-being, and materiality plays a defining role in how residents experience their homes. By designing the apartments with the timber structure left exposed, the project embeds the psychological benefits of wood into everyday life. The visible timber brings warmth, tactility, and sensory depth, qualities shown to reduce stress and support emotional balance, while full-width balconies extend the living spaces outward. Together, these elements create calm living environments that feel grounded and restorative, reinforcing a daily connection to natural materials.
The building is designed to be generous, durable, and enjoyable to inhabit. Timber allowed us to combine long-term quality with a fast and controlled construction process.’
Elegant yet expressive
Elegant yet expressive
The building responds to its surroundings with two distinct yet complementary façades. The front, facing a lively street, features a welcoming entrance and a publicly accessible terrace to connect to the human-scale. The ground floor is dedicated to commercial spaces, fostering a vibrant streetscape for visitors and residents.
In contrast, the rear of the building, facing the waterfront, embraces tranquility. The central entrance hall acts as the architectural and social heart of the building, uniting distinct identities into a cohesive whole.
