Elzehagen Zuid

Karres en Brands drew up a new framework plan for Elzenhagen South, an area within the master plan for CAN (Centre Amsterdam North) drawn up by Sjoerd Soeters. Because of the financial crisis it needed to be a flexible plan, in which short term initiatives (such as a swimming pool and church) could be accommodated while leaving open the possibilities for long-term investments in housing and offices. 

The polder area is isolated, surrounded by dykes and infrastructure. Because of the many claims on the space in this small area we first analyzed the impact of the programme on the site, and drew up various scenarios to clarify the options for our clients. 

Our final proposal is characterised by a meandering water structure running through the area, connecting the planned canal structure in Elzenhagen North with the ‘dyke zone’ along the North Holland Canal, and giving a beautiful view of the windmill that stands there. A new raised area beside the dyke acts as an intermediate level between the dyke and the polder.