Jonas
Basic information
Project Title
Jonas
Full project title
Jonas, IJburg
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
Jonas is a case study for sustainable and collective living in high urban density. It is a building with an innovative housing concept, a spectacular spatial interior and a BREEAM Outstanding certification.
Jonas, located in new IJburg city district in Amsterdam, will enhance social cohesion by creating a sustainable, inviting heart for the neighborhood.
Jonas, located in new IJburg city district in Amsterdam, will enhance social cohesion by creating a sustainable, inviting heart for the neighborhood.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Jonas is a case study for sustainable and collective living in high urban density. It is a building with an innovative housing concept, a spectacular spatial interior, a BREEAM Outstanding certification and two BREEAM Awards.
Jonas is located at the harbour of Amsterdam IJburg and accommodates 190 middle-segment rental homes, 83 owner-occupied homes and a wide range of supporting collective facilities.
The name Jonas refers to the story of ‘Jonas and the Whale’. It stands for adventure, but also for protection and comfort inside a ‘big body’. It is a heroic building with a warm heart. But Jonas is also a highly sustainable and attractive building that stands out from the surrounding buildings in IJburg – if only because of the special site on the headland and the special program it accommodates. The building expresses in a striking manner themes that belong to this location: water, quayside and the craft of shipbuilding. As a result, Jonas feels natural, because the building embraces the ‘soul of the place’ and renders it visible.
But the real surprise of Jonas awaits inside. This is welcoming, warm, collective and spectacular. It expresses a modern and sustainable community life. The interior is unexpected and surrealistic. The spatial concept is based on the way traditional wooden ships are constructed: a skeleton consisting of a series of trusses arranged in a row, which form the main structure. This allows large hollows to be carved out of the volume, and the required housing program is contained within the ‘skin’ of the building.
By creating a sustainable, inviting heart for the neighborhood, Jonas will enhance social cohesion, in what is still a new city district.
Jonas is located at the harbour of Amsterdam IJburg and accommodates 190 middle-segment rental homes, 83 owner-occupied homes and a wide range of supporting collective facilities.
The name Jonas refers to the story of ‘Jonas and the Whale’. It stands for adventure, but also for protection and comfort inside a ‘big body’. It is a heroic building with a warm heart. But Jonas is also a highly sustainable and attractive building that stands out from the surrounding buildings in IJburg – if only because of the special site on the headland and the special program it accommodates. The building expresses in a striking manner themes that belong to this location: water, quayside and the craft of shipbuilding. As a result, Jonas feels natural, because the building embraces the ‘soul of the place’ and renders it visible.
But the real surprise of Jonas awaits inside. This is welcoming, warm, collective and spectacular. It expresses a modern and sustainable community life. The interior is unexpected and surrealistic. The spatial concept is based on the way traditional wooden ships are constructed: a skeleton consisting of a series of trusses arranged in a row, which form the main structure. This allows large hollows to be carved out of the volume, and the required housing program is contained within the ‘skin’ of the building.
By creating a sustainable, inviting heart for the neighborhood, Jonas will enhance social cohesion, in what is still a new city district.
Key objectives for sustainability
From the first sketch on, the ambition has been to make Jonas one of the most sustainable residential buildings in The Netherlands. Starting from a holistic approach, from resources and nature to wellbeing and health to adding value for the neighborhood, the BREEAM method has been used to quantify the sustainability of the project. In 2020, when construction had just started, Jonas won two BREEAM awards for its promising integral sustainable design. With the recent delivery of the project, the promise has been fully realized: Jonas has secured the highest attainable rating in the field of sustainability and innovation: the BREEAM Outstanding Design and Post-Construction certification – as only the second residential building in The Netherlands.
Besides the attention for social sustainability, Jonas is brimming with technically sustainable elements. The zero-energy building boasts a large number of solar panels on the roof. Moreover, a low-temperature heating system connects to the public heating grid. The cold storage source, providing cooling for the homes, uses the nearby water: Thermal Energy from Surface Water (TEO).
In addition to the future-proof energy supply, the design aims to reduce the use of materials. The environmental impact was an important selection criterion. The shadow price and carbon footprint of construction materials were constantly monitored and optimized. All concrete is CSC certified, and at least a quarter of the granulate consists of recycled material, taken from construction waste. Biobased European Douglas wood is used both inside and outside.
The landscaping is nature-inclusive and is aimed at strengthening the ecological values of the area. It extends to the furthest corners of Jonas. The vegetation on the rooftop beach slows down water run-off.
Jonas demonstrates that, besides technical sustainability, also biodiversity and community building are important principles for the success of the project.
Besides the attention for social sustainability, Jonas is brimming with technically sustainable elements. The zero-energy building boasts a large number of solar panels on the roof. Moreover, a low-temperature heating system connects to the public heating grid. The cold storage source, providing cooling for the homes, uses the nearby water: Thermal Energy from Surface Water (TEO).
In addition to the future-proof energy supply, the design aims to reduce the use of materials. The environmental impact was an important selection criterion. The shadow price and carbon footprint of construction materials were constantly monitored and optimized. All concrete is CSC certified, and at least a quarter of the granulate consists of recycled material, taken from construction waste. Biobased European Douglas wood is used both inside and outside.
The landscaping is nature-inclusive and is aimed at strengthening the ecological values of the area. It extends to the furthest corners of Jonas. The vegetation on the rooftop beach slows down water run-off.
Jonas demonstrates that, besides technical sustainability, also biodiversity and community building are important principles for the success of the project.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Architecturally, Jonas is blending in in its surroundings, but small details also make it stand out. The building with its irregular openings creates the impression that the windows are gently undulating across the facade. It is not covered in stone but faced in dark, pre-patinated zinc. The facade does not touch the ground but is lifted off it. The volume is not rectangular but diamond-shaped. That makes Jonas both familiar and alienating, rational yet sculptural, recognizable yet innovative.
The landscape penetrates deep into Jonas. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking together the public and collective program, including the living room, the cinema, the mountain path, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar. The commercial facilities in the plinth, all supporting the concept and bigger picture of Jonas, provide extra dynamism on the ground floor and the quay. All collective plinth functions are publicly accessible.
The residential concept of Jonas is supported by a professional community manager, who can be consulted for matters like booking the guestrooms, the yoga studio or a shared car. The community manager is also responsible for organizing various activities together with residents and the local community.
The public square in front of the building facilitates multiple uses for the residents and the people of IJburg. The stepped roof of the entrance pavilion functions as a tribune for a diversity of events, performances and outdoor film screenings. The boardwalk along the water provides a place to enjoy the sun, read a book and watch children play on the small island, that can be reached by a wooden raft. On the side of the pavilion, a basketball field is created for the energetic local teenagers.
With nice weather, the facade of the living room facing the square can be fully opened, to connect inside and outside. The terrace will further activate the public space around the building.
The landscape penetrates deep into Jonas. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking together the public and collective program, including the living room, the cinema, the mountain path, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar. The commercial facilities in the plinth, all supporting the concept and bigger picture of Jonas, provide extra dynamism on the ground floor and the quay. All collective plinth functions are publicly accessible.
The residential concept of Jonas is supported by a professional community manager, who can be consulted for matters like booking the guestrooms, the yoga studio or a shared car. The community manager is also responsible for organizing various activities together with residents and the local community.
The public square in front of the building facilitates multiple uses for the residents and the people of IJburg. The stepped roof of the entrance pavilion functions as a tribune for a diversity of events, performances and outdoor film screenings. The boardwalk along the water provides a place to enjoy the sun, read a book and watch children play on the small island, that can be reached by a wooden raft. On the side of the pavilion, a basketball field is created for the energetic local teenagers.
With nice weather, the facade of the living room facing the square can be fully opened, to connect inside and outside. The terrace will further activate the public space around the building.
Key objectives for inclusion
Everything in Jonas is geared to stimulate social interaction and encounters to ensure the building becoming a focal point for activities and act as a catalyst for the neighborhood. By connecting the various collective spaces in and around the building like a pearl necklace, an enchanting living environment is created, that is accessible not just to the building’s occupants but also partly to IJburg residents who visit the building. All this resulted in a cohesive program that enlivens the headland. A building that you can visit and where you can engage with other people. A real heart for IJburg!
With 273 homes in Jonas, space has been created in an overly crowded city and quite literally a new community has been formed. The building has a strong focus on living together, with inclusivity as one of its main goals. 70% of the homes are in the middle rent category, making living in Jonas accessible to a wide audience.
Residents do not live exclusively in their own apartment, but throughout Jonas. The large amount of collective spaces strengthens the sense of community. The community manager acts as the central hub in this concept.
The variety of apartment typologies, ranging from compact studio apartments to generous duplexes suitable for families, and everything in between, attracts a mixed group of people from diverse target groups, creating an interesting mixed community. On a technical level, the layout of the apartments fulfills the BREEAM-requirements for accessibility, incorporating – among others – wheelchair-proof bathrooms. Of course, all apartments have barrier-free access. It is fair to state that Jonas is an inclusive design on different levels, not only literally but also figuratively.
With 273 homes in Jonas, space has been created in an overly crowded city and quite literally a new community has been formed. The building has a strong focus on living together, with inclusivity as one of its main goals. 70% of the homes are in the middle rent category, making living in Jonas accessible to a wide audience.
Residents do not live exclusively in their own apartment, but throughout Jonas. The large amount of collective spaces strengthens the sense of community. The community manager acts as the central hub in this concept.
The variety of apartment typologies, ranging from compact studio apartments to generous duplexes suitable for families, and everything in between, attracts a mixed group of people from diverse target groups, creating an interesting mixed community. On a technical level, the layout of the apartments fulfills the BREEAM-requirements for accessibility, incorporating – among others – wheelchair-proof bathrooms. Of course, all apartments have barrier-free access. It is fair to state that Jonas is an inclusive design on different levels, not only literally but also figuratively.
Results in relation to category
All ambitions and promises that were defined the tender phase have been realized with the delivery of Jonas. The design hardly changed throughout the process as the strong narrative concept acted as a guideline in the development of the plan. During the process, this concept was supported by all those involved; the client, the designers, the investor, the builders and the users. Despite the bumps that had to be taken along the way, the clear concept always gave direction and space for new solutions, fitting within the original idea.
Jonas has already been awarded several nominations and prizes; among others Jonas has won 2 international BREEAM-awards and the Best Building of the Year 2023 Award, organized by the Dutch Architects Association (BNA). The project has been published in national and international press. On a weekly base, we are receiving requests for guided tours in Jonas.
On content level, Jonas is a showcase project for future projects. Developer Amvest adjusted its mission based on the experience with collective living in Jonas and even founded a new company, Fuzer, providing community management for other projects. The concept is being rolled out in several new developments. Also Orange Architects is using the experience of Jonas in the field of community living in almost all new projects. The Dutch Green Building Council used Jonas as an example for the EU SFDR regulation, article 9, that is aligned with the EU Taxonomy.
Jonas was special for all parties involved. In the tender phase, the client dared to present an ambitious plan and ultimately make it happen. That requires inventiveness, perseverance and flexibility from all partners. The ongoing commitment of the project partners and the good atmosphere within the project team played an important role in enabling all ambitions to be realized. The determination of the parties involved, and thinking with each other about the most optimal solution, definitely contributed to the final result.
Jonas has already been awarded several nominations and prizes; among others Jonas has won 2 international BREEAM-awards and the Best Building of the Year 2023 Award, organized by the Dutch Architects Association (BNA). The project has been published in national and international press. On a weekly base, we are receiving requests for guided tours in Jonas.
On content level, Jonas is a showcase project for future projects. Developer Amvest adjusted its mission based on the experience with collective living in Jonas and even founded a new company, Fuzer, providing community management for other projects. The concept is being rolled out in several new developments. Also Orange Architects is using the experience of Jonas in the field of community living in almost all new projects. The Dutch Green Building Council used Jonas as an example for the EU SFDR regulation, article 9, that is aligned with the EU Taxonomy.
Jonas was special for all parties involved. In the tender phase, the client dared to present an ambitious plan and ultimately make it happen. That requires inventiveness, perseverance and flexibility from all partners. The ongoing commitment of the project partners and the good atmosphere within the project team played an important role in enabling all ambitions to be realized. The determination of the parties involved, and thinking with each other about the most optimal solution, definitely contributed to the final result.
How Citizens benefit
Jonas is a new concept for a mixed-use complex, combining living, working and recreation. The integrated design of building and landscape aims to strengthen social cohesion by creating a sustainable and inviting heart for not only the residents, but for the whole of IJburg. The building defines a direction for future residential developments and sets a new standard for collective living.
With Jonas, a new concept for high-density living is realized, in which sustainability is fully integrated. Not only the familiar themes of energy, materials and nature are safeguarded in the design, but also healthy living, community management and adding value to the neighborhood are integral parts of the concept.
Even before the design process started, participation meetings for the neighborhood were organized to get a clear view on the facilities that the area could benefit from. The outcome of this early process were used as a starting point for the development of the project. During the design process, status updates were presented to the neighbors, to receive their feedback on the design and the programming of the public functions and landscape.
Now when Jonas is realized, community management took over to continue the process of grounding the project into its surroundings. Neighborhood events will be organized in the cinema and on the square. In this way, Jonas is living up to its promise to be a new heart for the neighborhood.
Jonas is an inspiration for creating high-quality high-density 'living landscapes'. At Amvest, the development company that commissioned the project, this has resulted in adapting their mission statement and setting up a hospitality company to manage their residential communities. Jonas' integrated sustainable approach has also become Orange Architects' mission with three powerful pillars as main themes: World | We | Value.
With Jonas, a new concept for high-density living is realized, in which sustainability is fully integrated. Not only the familiar themes of energy, materials and nature are safeguarded in the design, but also healthy living, community management and adding value to the neighborhood are integral parts of the concept.
Even before the design process started, participation meetings for the neighborhood were organized to get a clear view on the facilities that the area could benefit from. The outcome of this early process were used as a starting point for the development of the project. During the design process, status updates were presented to the neighbors, to receive their feedback on the design and the programming of the public functions and landscape.
Now when Jonas is realized, community management took over to continue the process of grounding the project into its surroundings. Neighborhood events will be organized in the cinema and on the square. In this way, Jonas is living up to its promise to be a new heart for the neighborhood.
Jonas is an inspiration for creating high-quality high-density 'living landscapes'. At Amvest, the development company that commissioned the project, this has resulted in adapting their mission statement and setting up a hospitality company to manage their residential communities. Jonas' integrated sustainable approach has also become Orange Architects' mission with three powerful pillars as main themes: World | We | Value.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Whereas iconic value has often outweighed usability in recent years, Jonas shows that both qualities are compatible in one concept. The architecturally pronounced building is sculptural but also empathetic, offering comfort, living pleasure and security in all its spaces. Even though Jonas is a large building, with a length of 150 meters, 30.000 m2 of floor space and 273 apartments, the building always feels pleasant and intimate. Living together, human scale, connection and encounter are core values in the embracing interior of Jonas.
The integral design of the building and its surroundings within a powerful storytelling concept, makes Jonas stand out from more standard residential developments in The Netherlands in general and in the IJburg neighborhood specifically.
With over 400 residents in Jonas, quite literally a new community has been formed. To facilitate this community, the building has a strong focus on collective living, with inclusivity as one of its main aims. Everybody is welcome at Jonas and that attracts a wide variety of residents that share similar values on sustainability and social interaction. The rental apartments are relatively small, but they offer a lot of living comfort thanks to the many shared amenities. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking the apartments to the public and collective program.
These special functions – such as the shared living room, a cinema, the yoga studio, a workspace, two guestrooms, the mountain path, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar – form a chain of experiences running through the building.
The residential concept of Jonas is supported by the community managers, who act as the central contact person for the residents. They regularly organize events for Jonas and the neighborhood, but (neighborhood) residents can also initiate their own activities. In this way, Jonas becomes the living room of IJburg and has much to offer to the neighborhood.
The integral design of the building and its surroundings within a powerful storytelling concept, makes Jonas stand out from more standard residential developments in The Netherlands in general and in the IJburg neighborhood specifically.
With over 400 residents in Jonas, quite literally a new community has been formed. To facilitate this community, the building has a strong focus on collective living, with inclusivity as one of its main aims. Everybody is welcome at Jonas and that attracts a wide variety of residents that share similar values on sustainability and social interaction. The rental apartments are relatively small, but they offer a lot of living comfort thanks to the many shared amenities. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking the apartments to the public and collective program.
These special functions – such as the shared living room, a cinema, the yoga studio, a workspace, two guestrooms, the mountain path, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar – form a chain of experiences running through the building.
The residential concept of Jonas is supported by the community managers, who act as the central contact person for the residents. They regularly organize events for Jonas and the neighborhood, but (neighborhood) residents can also initiate their own activities. In this way, Jonas becomes the living room of IJburg and has much to offer to the neighborhood.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Jonas was designed as an integral concept of building, landscape and technology.
Next to Orange Architects and Felixx Landscape Architects, developing the integral architectural and landscape design, multiple other advisors and consultants were involved. The engineers of ABT were providing a wide range of expertises to make the design feasible. This includes geotechnics, structural design and engineering, building physics, fire safety, and cost calculation. ABT and MAT25 were advising on sustainability. Floor Ziegler led the participation process and was responsible for grounding the project in the neighborhood. Site Urban Development, together with client Amvest, was defining the strategy for the collective and commercial program in relation to the community concept. Bureau Stadsnatuur, an ecologist with a focus on urban biotopes, investigated the possibilities to make the project fully nature inclusive. Publikk&Vos, an interior design studio with a broad expertise in hospitality projects, was involved in the interior design of the collective spaces. The graphic designers of Merktuig are responsible for the branding of Jonas on various levels: not only the marketing outwards but also for a coherent design of the signing in the building.
All parties were collaborating in design workshops, creating opportunities for mutual inspiration and knowledge sharing, in order to come to the most optimal integrated design for Jonas. The implementation of the project was assigned to Ballast Nedam West as main contractor, of course working with a wide range of subcontractors and suppliers. Worth mentioning is WVH, who worked closely together with Orange and ABT on the engineering of the canyon interior and the zinc facade. In cooperation between interior builder Harryvan and Orange Architects, the sculptural ceiling of the living room was developed. Rots Maatwerk teamed up with Orange, Felixx and Glasdesign to make the glass canyon roof with water feature become reality.
Next to Orange Architects and Felixx Landscape Architects, developing the integral architectural and landscape design, multiple other advisors and consultants were involved. The engineers of ABT were providing a wide range of expertises to make the design feasible. This includes geotechnics, structural design and engineering, building physics, fire safety, and cost calculation. ABT and MAT25 were advising on sustainability. Floor Ziegler led the participation process and was responsible for grounding the project in the neighborhood. Site Urban Development, together with client Amvest, was defining the strategy for the collective and commercial program in relation to the community concept. Bureau Stadsnatuur, an ecologist with a focus on urban biotopes, investigated the possibilities to make the project fully nature inclusive. Publikk&Vos, an interior design studio with a broad expertise in hospitality projects, was involved in the interior design of the collective spaces. The graphic designers of Merktuig are responsible for the branding of Jonas on various levels: not only the marketing outwards but also for a coherent design of the signing in the building.
All parties were collaborating in design workshops, creating opportunities for mutual inspiration and knowledge sharing, in order to come to the most optimal integrated design for Jonas. The implementation of the project was assigned to Ballast Nedam West as main contractor, of course working with a wide range of subcontractors and suppliers. Worth mentioning is WVH, who worked closely together with Orange and ABT on the engineering of the canyon interior and the zinc facade. In cooperation between interior builder Harryvan and Orange Architects, the sculptural ceiling of the living room was developed. Rots Maatwerk teamed up with Orange, Felixx and Glasdesign to make the glass canyon roof with water feature become reality.
Methodology used
From the start, it has been the goal to approach the project as an integral development. This means that stakeholders are defined and included, and a very diverse team of experts and advisors is formed to work on the project, ranging from structural engineers to a place maker, but also a dedicated sustainability expert and an ecologist.
When setting up the vision and the ambition for the project, a powerful storytelling concept was developed, which has been a great lead for all design decisions that had to be taken during the process. Because of defining this strong overall concept, it was more easy to convince internal and external parties to step outside their comfort zone every now and then. A clear concept also helps to explain your ideas to all parties and stakeholders involved, which potentially shortens discussions when decisions have to be taken.
All mayor design decisions were based on supporting and strengthening the concept of Jonas. Together with its surroundings, the building forms a ‘living landscape’. At the front side, a public forecourt is bordered by a timber pavilion with steps, which act as a three-dimensional playground. The pavilion marks the entrance to the car park and serves as a tribune for all kinds of activities, such as a film screening or outdoor events. The green exterior, with trees providing shade, invites people to linger and – in the summer – there is even a city beach on the water’s edge. But the real surprise of Jonas awaits inside. The interior is welcoming, warm and spectacular. It expresses a modern and sustainable community life. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking together the public and collective program, including the living room, guestrooms, a yoga studio, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar. The commercial facilities in the plinth, all supporting the concept and bigger picture of Jonas, provide dynamism on the ground floor and the quay. A real heart for IJburg!
When setting up the vision and the ambition for the project, a powerful storytelling concept was developed, which has been a great lead for all design decisions that had to be taken during the process. Because of defining this strong overall concept, it was more easy to convince internal and external parties to step outside their comfort zone every now and then. A clear concept also helps to explain your ideas to all parties and stakeholders involved, which potentially shortens discussions when decisions have to be taken.
All mayor design decisions were based on supporting and strengthening the concept of Jonas. Together with its surroundings, the building forms a ‘living landscape’. At the front side, a public forecourt is bordered by a timber pavilion with steps, which act as a three-dimensional playground. The pavilion marks the entrance to the car park and serves as a tribune for all kinds of activities, such as a film screening or outdoor events. The green exterior, with trees providing shade, invites people to linger and – in the summer – there is even a city beach on the water’s edge. But the real surprise of Jonas awaits inside. The interior is welcoming, warm and spectacular. It expresses a modern and sustainable community life. A communal route, shaped as a canyon, extends through the building, linking together the public and collective program, including the living room, guestrooms, a yoga studio, the forest patio and the rooftop beach and bar. The commercial facilities in the plinth, all supporting the concept and bigger picture of Jonas, provide dynamism on the ground floor and the quay. A real heart for IJburg!
How stakeholders are engaged
Since the project is the result of a competition initiated by the local municipality of Amsterdam, the municipality was able to set the ambition level of the project and define requirements on various aspects, ranging from the diverse program to future flexibility, but also rental price limits for part of the housing provided. This makes the municipality an important stakeholder of the project.
The wishes of the neighborhood have been documented during an extensive participation process, led by our design team member Floor Ziegler, a well-known local expert in placemaking and participation. Neighbors and future residents were informed on a regular basis about the status of the process, also facilitating them to give feedback which was taken into account when further developing the design.
Amvest, the client, is active throughout The Netherlands, creating new living environments. They have been involved since two decades in the development of the IJburg-neighborhood, which is realized on newly created land in the east of the city of Amsterdam, on the shore of the IJ-lake. Amvest has developed and is exploiting several housing projects in the near proximity of Jonas. It was a big incentive for them to create a successful heart of the neighborhood: a development that is looking further than the borders of the plot.
Jonas is also a sustainable investment for the long term. Amvest Residential Core Fund, with the Jonas rental apartments in its portfolio, is a European frontrunner in sustainable investments. The fund has the maximum 5 star rating conform the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark
Though Jonas is developed before the EU Taxonomy was rolled out, the BREEAM sustainability advisor MAT25 concludes that Jonas is aligned with the EU Taxonomy, making it a showcase for other future sustainable developments.
The wishes of the neighborhood have been documented during an extensive participation process, led by our design team member Floor Ziegler, a well-known local expert in placemaking and participation. Neighbors and future residents were informed on a regular basis about the status of the process, also facilitating them to give feedback which was taken into account when further developing the design.
Amvest, the client, is active throughout The Netherlands, creating new living environments. They have been involved since two decades in the development of the IJburg-neighborhood, which is realized on newly created land in the east of the city of Amsterdam, on the shore of the IJ-lake. Amvest has developed and is exploiting several housing projects in the near proximity of Jonas. It was a big incentive for them to create a successful heart of the neighborhood: a development that is looking further than the borders of the plot.
Jonas is also a sustainable investment for the long term. Amvest Residential Core Fund, with the Jonas rental apartments in its portfolio, is a European frontrunner in sustainable investments. The fund has the maximum 5 star rating conform the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark
Though Jonas is developed before the EU Taxonomy was rolled out, the BREEAM sustainability advisor MAT25 concludes that Jonas is aligned with the EU Taxonomy, making it a showcase for other future sustainable developments.
Global challenges
Two relevant and widespread challenges that are addressed by Jonas are climate change and the growing individuality in modern society. We believe that in present time, where households and houses are getting smaller, it is becoming increasingly important to create a high quality living environment. Sharing spaces and amenities also fits the contemporary spirit, with more attention to sustainability and the prevention of waste. In the setup of Jonas, collectivity serves as a counter balance to the growing individuality, offering a range of collective spaces, from a living room and a cinema – both accessible for the neighborhood as well – to shared spaces available for the residents and their guests.
Climate change is another important topic nowadays. Jonas, on its own local scale, is trying to reduce the disadvantages of climate change, with a range of sustainable measures. The landscaping on the roof is preventing the rain water to flow away immediately. The landscaping in general provides shade in various spots throughout the project, reducing heath-stress in the area, while on other spots it is possible to enjoy the sun, when preferred. The water layer on the glass roof of the canyon not only literally reduces the temperature on a hot day, but also psychologically helps to make your stay outside more pleasant.
In light of reducing the environmental impact of the building, it is worth mentioning the sustainable energy generation by solar panels and cooling via a TEO-system, which uses thermal energy from the harbor water. The shadow price and carbon footprint of construction materials were constantly monitored and optimized. The concrete is CSC certified, and at least a quarter of the granulate consists of recycled material, taken from construction waste for example. European Douglas wood is used both inside and outside.
And last but not least, the landscape design aims at strengthening the ecological values of the area, focusing on local biodiversity.
Climate change is another important topic nowadays. Jonas, on its own local scale, is trying to reduce the disadvantages of climate change, with a range of sustainable measures. The landscaping on the roof is preventing the rain water to flow away immediately. The landscaping in general provides shade in various spots throughout the project, reducing heath-stress in the area, while on other spots it is possible to enjoy the sun, when preferred. The water layer on the glass roof of the canyon not only literally reduces the temperature on a hot day, but also psychologically helps to make your stay outside more pleasant.
In light of reducing the environmental impact of the building, it is worth mentioning the sustainable energy generation by solar panels and cooling via a TEO-system, which uses thermal energy from the harbor water. The shadow price and carbon footprint of construction materials were constantly monitored and optimized. The concrete is CSC certified, and at least a quarter of the granulate consists of recycled material, taken from construction waste for example. European Douglas wood is used both inside and outside.
And last but not least, the landscape design aims at strengthening the ecological values of the area, focusing on local biodiversity.
Learning transferred to other parties
Jonas is a unique project, with a design that is rooted firmly in its context. Whereas the project as a whole is not likely to be repeated, the concept definitely is. It was a bold step to develop the project with such an innovative approach. Even though the project has only started to bloom since its delivery, it can be concluded that many people are enthusiastic about the concept and the result.
The great attention to viability and collectivity make the project special. This can also be applied in other projects. We believe that in the present time, when households and houses are becoming smaller, it is becoming increasingly to create a high quality living environment. Sharing spaces and amenities also fits the contemporary spirit, with more attention to sustainability and the prevention of waste.
At Amvest, the development company that commissioned the project, the concept of collective living – with shared amenities and a community manager as a booster of creating a community – has resulted in adapting their mission statement and setting up a hospitality company to manage their residential communities. In that sense, Jonas has been a pioneer for many projects that followed. Also the current learnings from this experiment, as the building is in use now, will be incorporated in future projects by the client. Of course, the experiences might also be valuable for external parties, as a reference for any other project focusing on social sustainability and community building.
The great attention to viability and collectivity make the project special. This can also be applied in other projects. We believe that in the present time, when households and houses are becoming smaller, it is becoming increasingly to create a high quality living environment. Sharing spaces and amenities also fits the contemporary spirit, with more attention to sustainability and the prevention of waste.
At Amvest, the development company that commissioned the project, the concept of collective living – with shared amenities and a community manager as a booster of creating a community – has resulted in adapting their mission statement and setting up a hospitality company to manage their residential communities. In that sense, Jonas has been a pioneer for many projects that followed. Also the current learnings from this experiment, as the building is in use now, will be incorporated in future projects by the client. Of course, the experiences might also be valuable for external parties, as a reference for any other project focusing on social sustainability and community building.
Keywords
Collective living
Holistic sustainability
Programmed landscape
Placemaking
Nature inclusivity
