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Stories
Buiksloterham, Amsterdam

Stories is a striking 45-meter-high timber apartment building located in the Buiksloterham district of Amsterdam. Designed by Olaf Gipser Architects and built by Heutink Groep, the structure consists of ten levels of cross-laminated timber (CLT) above a concrete plinth. This circular and innovative building features a façade clad in Platowood Spruce, treated with a Weathered finish and a bio fire retardant. Slim, white balconies accent the wooden façade, creating a strong visual rhythm.

Please note: this project was completed with an outdated version of the Weathered Color Stain finish. Curious about our new colours? Order a free sample!

Architect Olaf Gipser:

“For the façade, our goal was to use as much wood as possible. We wanted sustainable wood with a natural grey appearance. We chose Platowood Spruce with a pre-greying treatment to prevent uneven weathering in areas sheltered by overhangs. Fire classification B was also essential. Since part of the façade is behind vegetation and difficult to access, low maintenance was another important factor.”

Sander van Herk of the Heutink Group adds: “Platowood offers a long lifespan thanks to its hydrothermal modification process. That fits perfectly with the spirit of the building. Plus, we could pre-grey the wood and apply fire-retardant treatment to meet Class B fire requirements.”

Weathered Color Stain and fire retardant

Prior to installation, fire tests were conducted using the exact assembly that would be applied to Stories. The treated wood achieved a B-S1-D0 fire classification. Architect Olaf Gipser: We’re pleased that such a natural product as Platowood could be treated to meet Class B fire standards while maintaining its character.”

Challenging and innovative self-build project

Stories was developed through Collective Private Commissioning (CPO), a self-build approach. Heutink played the central coordinating and risk-bearing role. Sustainability and circularity were guiding principles throughout the build. The result is a layered and innovative building combining steel, concrete, wood, and lush greenery.

One standout feature is the “garden etagère,” where tree species form a green buffer between terraces. Balconies are equipped with planters and irrigation systems to support private outdoor greenery. The trees enrich local urban biodiversity and lend seasonal expression to the façade—transforming Stories into a vertical oasis in the industrial setting of Amsterdam-Noord.

BNA Best Building of the Year 2022

On May 12, 2022, Stories was awarded BNA Best Building of the Year in the “Private Living Experience” category.

The jury noted:”Stories reveals the potential of collective private commissioning, where individual freedom can thrive and create extraordinary housing that the free market rarely allows.”

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