MVRDV completes striking Amsterdam tennis clubhouse
by Kim Megson | 16 Oct 2015
Dutch architecture firm MVRDV has completed work on a new tennis clubhouse in Amsterdam which allows spectators to view the on-court action from the structure’s roof.
Named 'The Couch' due to its distinctive design, the 332sq m (3,570sq ft) clubhouse features a roof which dips down towards the south side and is raised 7m (23ft) towards the north. Rows of seating are subtly incorporated for up to 200 spectators, who are able to watch games on the club's 10 outdoor courts. Should the tennis action fail to wow the crowds, the elevated platform provides views of Amsterdam’s IJburg neighbourhood and the waters that surround its three artificial islands.
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In addition to its innovative roof, the clubhouse also stands out because of its distinctive red appearance. The building has been fully sealed with an EDSM polymer hotspray to match the colour and texture of the clay tennis courts.
The building was commissioned in 2013 by Tennisclub IJburg. MVRDV worked with co-architect Studio Bouwkunde and structural engineer ABT on the project, which was constructed by Ballast Nedam Bouw.
To bring life to the area – which has been developed to ease Amsterdam’s housing shortage and only received its first residents in 2002 – the architects were encouraged to make the clubhouse as accessible to the general public as possible. On Saturdays, the facility is transformed into a restaurant, while a cafe keeps visitors refreshed throughout the week.
The Couch offers views over the 10 tennis courts in one direction, and IJburg in the other / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
The clubhouse was sprayed in a polymer giving it the same colour and texture as the courts / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
The clubhouse is the new home of Tennisclub IJburg / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
Members of the local community are welcome to come and spectate / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
The building can seat up to 200 spectators / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
embers of the public can enjoy refreshments in the clubhouse / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
The architects were instructed to make the facilities accessible to the general public / Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee
Dutch architecture firm MVRDV has completed work on a new tennis clubhouse in Amsterdam which allows spectators to view the on-court action from the structure’s roof. Named 'The Couch' due to its distinctive design, the 332sq m (3,570sq ft) clubhouse features a roof which dips down towards the south side and is raised 7m (23ft) towards the north. Rows of seating are subtly incorporated for up to 200 spectators, who
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