Construction begins on innovative timber residential tower Horizons Amsterdam
Construction has started on Horizons, a new residential development in the Sluisbuurt district of Amsterdam’s Zeeburgereiland. Altera is investing, on behalf of the Altera Residential Fund, in 65 mid-market rental homes in the new timber residential building. Horizons brings together mid-market housing, sustainable construction and a green living environment.
Horizons will comprise 117 homes and apartments in total: 52 homes for private sale and 65 mid-market rental homes. The development will also include more than 500m² of commercial space for shops, hospitality and other amenities. Located on the edge of the Sluisbuurt, the building will occupy a prominent position in this emerging urban district.
For Altera, the investment is closely aligned with its long-term vision for its residential portfolio. We invest in high-quality real estate that creates value for tenants and investors while contributing to a healthy, future-proof living environment.
Marleen Bosma-Verhaegh: “The start of construction at Horizons marks an important step towards delivering 65 mid-market rental homes in Amsterdam. Its attractive location, high-quality homes and strong emphasis on sustainability are closely aligned with our approach to long-term residential investment. “We look beyond the real estate itself. A sound residential investment creates value for tenants and investors while also contributing to a sustainable and attractive living environment. Horizons brings these principles together in a single investment.”
Timber and bio-based materials
Timber and other bio-based materials play an important role in the design of Horizons. Timber is used in both the structure and the floors, reducing the use of materials with a higher environmental impact. Where concrete is required for safety, structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, among other purposes, circular concrete is used.
The use of bio-based materials also means that CO₂ absorbed during their growth remains stored in the building over the long term. The design also takes future adaptability into account. Wherever possible, materials are used in ways that allow them to be reused or separated at a later stage.
A distinctive feature of Horizons is the link between this stored CO₂ and carbon credits. In partnership with Climate Cleanup Foundation, the CO₂ stored over the long term in the bio-based building materials is converted into carbon credits. Altera’s acquisition of the 65 rental homes also includes these carbon credits.
This gives the climate performance of the materials used not only a measurable dimension but also an economic one. Horizons therefore represents a first in the Dutch residential investment market.
Energy-positive and green
Horizons’ sustainability ambitions extend beyond its choice of materials. The building will be energy-positive, generating more energy than it consumes.
Water also plays an important role in the design. In the Botanical Atrium, water will be purified and reused. The green atrium will form the heart of the building, providing residents with a place to meet and connect.
A variety of green landscapes will be created across the roofs, bringing together energy generation, biodiversity and spaces for residents to spend time outdoors. The communal outdoor areas and roof gardens will further contribute to the green character of the development.
Horizons is being developed by Ballast Nedam Development and was designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects and FLUX Landscape Architects. Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling is responsible for construction.
The start of construction at Horizons marks another step forward in the development of the Sluisbuurt. Through this investment, Altera is contributing to a diverse housing supply in the area and to the development of a sustainable, future-proof urban district.
