On the Wave by Michael Labory & Bertrand Schippan Architects

Michael Labory & Bertrand Schippan Architects share with us their latest project named "On the Wave". The impressive proposal was designed for the international AWR competition "Living In Borneo". Take a look in the project after the jump:

From the Architects:

THE SITE

DEAD END
The district of Borneo Sporenburg has been a focus of attention of prominent Dutch and international architecture offices. It has undergone considerable development, has increased in size during the past decades. Naturally, its role in the urban structure evolved, making it one of the most remarkable residential areas of Amsterdam.

This area was initially developed as solely residential and thus lacks public spaces. Its beautiful long piers lead directly to the water, however at the end, there is nothing but it – water, horizon…dead end. Such atmosphere will hardly attract any visitors in urban context. The end of the piers should become more attractive to magnetize people with their charm.
LIVING WITH THE WATER
Housing located directly along the water is the peculiar feature of this area. Water, despite being so close, is in fact completely disconnected from the residents as there is no interaction with the waterfront.
NO LIFE
Since Borneo Sporenburg is a purely residential area it thus lacks not only shops and facilities, but also public attractions that could liven-up the neighborhood. Ironically enough, what it lacks most is the access to water, other than that of private-closed piers. A collective plaza, open access would bring back the life to the area.

THE WAVE

“FIND JOY IN YOUR FEAR”
The Netherlands is a flat country under the sea-level, with no tide, calm waters, the Dutch successfully tamed. Tranquility, monotony – are the first associations that come to mind. How can we make the landscape more spectacular? How can we add more relief? Should we be scared of waves?
CONTACT WITH THE WATER
«Nothing will content them but the extremest limit of the land»
Herman Melville, from the book "Moby-Dick"
This phrase emphasizes how immensely attractive becomes water within urban structure.
THE TRIBUNE
The allegory of danger, the Wave, turns into a welcoming amphitheater allowing people to gather and share a concert, a lecture, a picnic … It becomes an urban playground, perfect for modern urban citizens.
THE FACE OF THE SUB-WAVE
Ideal for enjoying the mesmerizing view of the sea, the sub-Wave space is shaped to protect the visitors from heavy rain and strong wind. It can be used as bike-parking or can be fine-tuned to be used as a storage area or parking garage by the owner of the Lighthouse.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOOR
Respect your neighbor, universal rule, well-respected in the Netherlands. The lifted house follows it perfectly as it doesn’t anyhow disturb its neighbors, keeping their view at the water front free.
A LANDMARK
Lifting the house creates a landmark, a visible sign that marks the end of the pier. Visible from afar in the urban corridor of Scheepstimmermanstraat, the Lighthouse turns into attractive point for pedestrians.
360 DEGREE VIEW
The Lighthouse is the only house in the neighborhood that has a panoramic view. It is placed in sustainable glass box to maximize the light and the view.

THE LIVING SPACE

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE
The Lighthouse is designed for single or childless couples – modern urban residents. Its structure is conforms to the Borneo standards: 19m long x 6m wide for a maximum height of 14m
CONTINUOUS ROUTE
The route to the roof of the lighthouse is made as a continuous flow starting from the street level, streaming through the house and splashing out into the panoramic platform on top of the house.
VARIETY OF HEIGHTS
The floors in the house, as if shaken by the wave, following its flow, create different height levels: highest ceiling in the main room, lower in the bathroom, etc. Such solution allows to avoid the use of classic walls for room-separation.
ROOF TOP
The roof top offers a magnificent view towards the Borneo district and even further to the city of Amsterdam. Shaped as a tribune it is a perfect spot for enjoying the beauties of the sea, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.