Mahler 1 Amsterdam, The Netherlands office property, Dutch commercial architecture photos
Mahler 1, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
18 June 2024
Design: 3XN GXN
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Photos by Binyan
Mahler 1 office building in The Netherlands
3XN GXN is proud to announce their vision for Mahler 1, a multi-functional office building in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district. The 15-story hybrid-timber structure targeting BREEAM Excellent, is developed in collaboration with owners Victory Group, Icon Real Estate (part of Victory Group) and Erik Dhont Landscape Architects, and marks the start of the redevelopment of the existing ABN AMRO complex.
“Mahler 1 is a key project in Zuidas, carefully shaped to fit the existing composition of buildings while also signalling a new beginning for the area built around the values of wellbeing, approachability, and transparency,” says 3XN Senior Partner Stig Vesterager Gothelf. “We’re proud to work with Icon Real Estate and Victory Group on such an exciting and ambitious project.”
A New Typology for an Evolving Zuidas
Established as a hub for business in the early 1980s, Zuidas is packed with offices and headquarters for the best-known Dutch and global companies. Central among these is the ABN AMRO complex, built for the Dutch bank in the 1990s and acquired by Victory Group in 2021.
“We are proud to unveil our vibrant new vision for the Zuidas, where innovative architecture meets open, community-focused design,” says Erik Moresco, Founding Partner of Victory Group and Icon Real Estate. “We are embracing the unique identity of the area, and prioritising a community-based approach through an integrated permeable podium level. This development is set to be a lively hub, offering ground-floor public amenities that cater to both office workers and local residents.”
For 3XN GXN, appointed to the project in 2023, this has meant designing a building that is conscious of the human-scale and employing biophilic and sustainable design strategies to ensure its longevity. The 25,000m2, 59-metre-high tower building subdivides in two portions; a podium composed of stepped, horizontal volumes that twist around the building, and the scalloped-edge office floors that comprise the building’s upper levels. The building’s upper portion, which will be timber structure, comprises clustered vertical volumes, breaking down the building’s mass and giving it an elegant profile. Vertical louvers attached to the windows further streamline the design and will be clad in photovoltaic panels.
“The architecture of Zuidas is as world-class as its tenants, reflecting the area’s importance as a widely recognized business district. Our design introduces a stronger differentiation of scale, building volume, and façade detail than is commonly found in traditional offices. Mahler 1 emphasizes orientation to Mahlerplein, activating the human eye-height level. It includes abundant green office amenities throughout and a three-dimensional play of its façade elements, uniquely shaping the entire building. With Mahler 1, we aim to create a new Zuidas icon that fosters a social, green, and healthy work environment—absolutely worth the daily commute,” says Christian Veddeler, Partner and head of 3XN’s Amsterdam studio.
The ground level is open and transparent, giving passersby a glimpse inside and extending Mahlerplein in through the building both visually and physically. The lobby unfolds over two levels, connected on the inside by a large tribune that serves as both stair and gathering space for the tenants. Columns marking the building’s perimeter are capped with unfurling capitals that branch out to form a “canopy” – the floor above.
“Approachable design moves across the project – from the tree-like columns to the green terraces planted to attract pollinators and increase biodiversity in the area – these all bring a softness and vibrancy to Mahler 1 that will foster a sense of wellbeing for the users,” says Gothelf.
Livable and Lovable
Across the world, buildings built in the middle of the 20th century are becoming obsolescent, no longer able to cater to the needs of their users. With Mahler 1, the ambitious sustainability strategy comprises two parts: an environmental strategy and a behavioural one, both of which are fully embraced by owner Victory Group.
“There are many ways for a building to be sustainable, but sustainability at its core is the ability to last,” explains Gothelf. “A building that is much loved and thus, much used by its inhabitants, is an important way to consider sustainability. To craft a building that is sustainable to its core and not just a representation of its time – it takes boldness and vision from both designer and client.”
The tenancy floors are designed for maximum flexibility, allowing different users to change their space in the way that best suits them. In the lower levels, terraces cap the extruded horizontal volumes, giving users the opportunity to step outside without having to leave the building. These terraces will be planted with carefully selected flora to both attract pollinators and increase biodiversity in the area.
Construction of Mahler 1 is currently expected to commence in the first half of 2025 and conclude in late 2027. The project will be 3XN’s second in Amsterdam, following the completion of the Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ in 1997. 3XN opened an office in Amsterdam in 2023; the office, led by Christian Veddeler, focuses on projects in the Benelux region and Germany.
Mahler 1, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Building Information
Architects: 3XN GXN – https://3xn.com/
About 3XN
Across diverse typologies and scales, 3XN’s work is driven by the conviction that architecture should give something back – to people, to communities, and to our planet. Since its founding in Aarhus, Denmark in 1986, the architecture firm has specialised in transformational projects: projects that give obsolete structures new form and character, that transform dormant neighbourhoods into thriving cultural hubs, or that unite disparate organizations into collaborative communities. A commitment to the highest standards of sustainability and design excellence unites the studio’s portfolio. Form and performance are not at odds, but rather continuously enhance and shape one another.
Among 3XN’s most high-profile projects are Olympic House – the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland); the new Fish Market and Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney (Australia); and Royal Arena and The Blue Planet National Aquarium in Copenhagen (Denmark).
With offices in Copenhagen (HQ), Stockholm, Sydney, New York, London, and Amsterdam the diverse perspective of 3XN’s global practice gives greater depth to its holistic methodology which prioritizes behaviour, curiosity, and circularity.
Photography by Binyan
Mahler 1, Amsterdam, The Netherlands images / information received 180624
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, The Netherlands, western Europe
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