Architecture

Abandoned Dutch water tower transformed into luxury apartments

View 16 Images
Dutch architectural firm Zecc Architecten has recently converted an abandoned 19th century water tower into a collection of light-filled modern apartments
Stijn Poelstra
Each apartment boasts an outdoor terrace with a view of the Dom
Stijn Poelstra
The once decrepit Amsterdamsestraatweg water tower, which is listed as a national monument, has been brought back to life with this stunning transformation

Stijn Poelstra
The revived water tower boasts a six-story penthouse
Stijn Poelstra
Dutch architectural firm Zecc Architecten has recently converted an abandoned 19th century water tower into a collection of light-filled modern apartments
Stijn Poelstra
The penthouse features a window-less cinema/concert room

Stijn Poelstra
A private elevator provides direct access into each apartment
Stijn Poelstra
Guest double bedroom boasts original metal interior paneling
Stijn Poelstra
Penthouse master bedroom is adjoined by a beautiful outdoor terrace
Stijn Poelstra
Penthouse master bedroom captures the stunning view by night
Stijn Poelstra
Open penthouse kitchen is a work of art in itself
Stijn Poelstra
Open staircase leads to a top floor boasting panoramic views
Stijn Poelstra
The ninth floor boasts triple height ceilings and striking 360-degree views
Stijn Poelstra
View from the Penthouse pinnacle
Stijn Poelstra
The architects were conscious to integrate many of the original industrial features of the site into the interior design of the homes

Stijn Poelstra
The windowsill in the penthouse is converted into a coffee station
Stijn Poelstra
Amsterdamsestraatweg water tower plan by Zecc Architecten
Zecc Architecten
View gallery - 16 images

Dutch architectural firm Zecc Architecten has recently converted an abandoned 19th century water tower into a collection of light-filled modern apartments, complete with industrial flair and 360-degree views. Located in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands, the once decrepit Amsterdamsestraatweg, which is listed as a national monument, has been brought back to life with this stunning transformation.

The revived water tower is now home to three identical luxury apartments stacked above one another, a six-story penthouse, and a cafe and retail space on the ground level.

Each apartment occupies its own entire level and has been masterfully installed within the circular frame of the structure. The architects were conscious to integrate many of the original industrial features of the water tower into the interior design of the homes, including original brickwork, wooden and steel beams, metal interior paneling, and concrete flooring.

The ninth floor boasts triple height ceilings and striking 360-degree views
Stijn Poelstra

Each apartment includes a private elevator entrance; open shared living and dining space with integrated kitchen; bathroom; 360-degree windows with views across the Dom; a Corten steel-framed outdoor terrace; and cathedral high ceilings, which enabled the firm to include an elevated mezzanine bedroom that overlooks the rest of the home.

“The challenge for this design lay in creating good daylight openings, a beautiful outdoor area with a view of the Dom and good access with a lift and safe stairwell,” explained Zecc Architecten. “From the elevator you step directly into the apartment. A solution that gives an exclusive feeling and at the same time saves space.”

The architects were conscious to integrate many of the original industrial features of the site into the interior design of the homes

Stijn Poelstra

At the very top of the tower, the architects created a stunning 400-sq-m (4,306-sq-ft) penthouse that stretches over six stories. This home comprises a window-less cinema/concert room; three guests bedrooms each with a private bathroom; master bedroom with en-suite; relaxation zone; storage room; large modern kitchen on the 8th floor with a large void that overlooks the stunning roof construction; and standout living quarters on the 9th floor, with triple-height ceilings and striking 360-degree views.

“The space becomes more and more open towards the top, creating a spectacular succession of floors, voids and views,” said the firm. “The space on the ninth floor is overwhelming. Under the high roof construction of steel and wood, panoramic windows have been made all around for a 360-degree view.”

View from the Penthouse pinnacle
Stijn Poelstra

In the future, the rear section of the remaining Amsterdamsestraatweg facilities will be converted into a series of compact apartments. The plan aims to further distinguish the urban development and preserve the iconic presence of this free-standing historical monument.

Source: Zecc via Dezeen

View gallery - 16 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
1 comment
Jinpa
That top apartment would be expensive to heat and cool.