Architect Wins International Competition with Figure-of-Eight Shaped ‘Looping Towers’

Milan-based architect Peter Pichler has won an international architectural competition for a concept to create a residential hub that promotes the benefits of integrated public amenity.  

The 35,000sq m scheme is proposed in the Dutch town of Maarssen and will consist of two L-shaped towers encompassing 260 apartments, connected by a running track and gym facing the Vecht river.

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Maarssen is located on a main axis between two major Dutch hubs in Amsterdam and Utrecht, with the architect intending for the project to act as a "social engine" and inspire surrounding major development in the coming years.

The development is a part of a greater governmental strategy, "Bisonspoor 2020", centred around the creation of a new social hub for living, working, shopping between Utrecht and Amsterdam.

The highest sloping tower is 70 meters high with 23 floors of residential housing set to rent between 600 and 1000 euros per month. The development also caters for social housing and care homes. The project is an investment of approximately 60 million euros.

The buildings form is designed to maximise lines of sight to the river situated on the sites north and utilise natural lighting from the south. Through the use of a figure-of-eight building footprint and sloping facades, the architect intends to provide as much natural lighting to each home as possible.

According to Pichler the proposal for the two looping towers are the result of an optimised geometry based on views and sunlight.

"The naturally-formed terraces generate multiple views towards the old city and achieve a maximum sunlight during the day." Pichler said.

The two residential towers are connected by a low-rise structure that criss-crosses and houses communal facilities including care housing and a gymnasium. At ground level the building steps back from the site's boundary to create green parks which improve liveability.

The swimming pool has been proposed for the top of the western tower and accompanies the running track in supporting the architect's vision to create a product that promotes healthy living.

Completion is planned for 2020.