Cornelis is a residential building in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, designed by FARO Architecten and Van Bergen Architectura. It comprises 49 owner-occupied and 36 rental units, prioritizing social cohesion, collective living quality, and high-standard housing for young families. The architecture promotes social interaction through various communal spaces and integrated facilities.
The residential complex Cornelis, located in Amsterdam Nieuw-West and realized by FARO Architecten and Van Bergen Architectura, is designed to meet the needs of young families wishing to live in the city. Comprising 49 owner-occupied and 36 rental units, the project emphasizes social cohesion, collective living quality, and high-standard housing. The design actively encourages social interaction and physical activity through a variety of shared spaces, such as a communal living room, thoughtfully designed entrances, stairwells, halls, and cantilevered wooden terraces. Features like 'play stairs' and slides are integrated to encourage dynamic engagement with the building.
The building's south-facing, double-height plinth hosts a mix of commercial functions, including catering establishments, studios, a daycare center, and after-school care. This clustering of amenities acts as a social catalyst, fostering encounters between residents and strengthening the building's connection to the surrounding neighborhood. The north side of Cornelis exhibits a robust urban character aligning with the existing development along Cornelis Lelylaan, while the south side facing Schielandplein presents a more refined aesthetic, highlighted by a prominent wooden frame. The construction of the cantilevered galleries, using durable azobé wood, is a notable technical achievement, as the entire structure is supported by the concrete frame without ground-level supports. Natural materials are consistently used throughout the interior, with oak for internal stairs and railings, bamboo for frames and corridors, and parquet flooring.