Not many buildings come sealed in bright orange polymer hotspray, but this is exactly the treatment Superdutch architects MVRDV (opens in new tab) chose for their new project in Amsterdam. Enter the brand new home for local tennis club TC Ijburg (opens in new tab).
The small yet charming project combines a clubhouse with an open air seating area for best views of the matching orange clay tennis courts - all ten of them - as well as the nearby urban landscape and waterfront. The building's roof is folded in such a way that it creates an informal spectator platform, which can seat up to 200 people.
Inside, the FSC certified wood clad space offers areas to refresh and relax, for players, family and friends. 'IJburg is a new district to the east of Amsterdam,' explain the architects. 'On its six artificial islands, 18,000 homes will be eventually be built for 45,000 residents. At present, the district holds just 16,000 of these inhabitants. There are many initiatives to attract people to the area.' The newly formed tennis club is one of those initiatives.
The facility, which aims to become a beating heart for the Ijburg community, a gathering space and an integral piece of street furniture for the locals, will be open to the public, free and functional year-round.
The Couch can comfortably seat up to 200 people; it was sprayed with a polymer that gave it the same colour and texture as the courts
Open to the public, the club can be used by friends and family of the players, as well as people from the local community, who want to watch the games
There is ample seating as well as an area for refreshments
Photography: Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
ADDRESS
The Couch
Zandzeggestraat 1
1087 SL Amsterdam
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