This week has marked the start of the transformation of Mauritskade 17 in Amsterdam. The housing corporation Ymere, together with Dura Vermeer as a co-maker, is transforming one of its former office locations in the centre of Amsterdam into apartments to house refugees who have received a residence permit. This project addresses two current challenges in urban design and architecture: reviving inner cities by transforming empty buildings into housing and the challenge to provide housing for newly arrived refugees. The project highlights the potential of numerous empty office locations in response to the new housing demand and the potential to revive inner-city areas.

As design partners of Dura Vermeer for this project, CULD has provided the design proposals for the transformation and developed appropriate typologies within the constraints of the existing building and budget. The project has been developed in a fast-track design process, with the ambition to go from initiative to delivery of the dwellings within one year. Construction is estimated to take 4 months.