Login
Registered users
The client’s brief was to develop Track 8—alongside Tracks 6 and 9—into a cohesive ensemble of residential buildings that foster social cohesion. Co-development with future residents played a key role, with a strong focus on inclusive, shared spaces. MO*town Track 8 is located in Amsterdam Sloterdijk, an area transitioning from a monofunctional office district into a vibrant urban neighbourhood. As part of this shift, the building was designed to reflect the district’s evolving identity and diverse context. Its dark, glossy, stepped façade gives the building a monumental yet approachable character. Three slender volumes are connected by open galleries and bridges, encouraging informal interaction—echoing the ‘People attract People’ principle.
The voting session is closed
MOtown Track 8 is located at a key intersection in Sloterdijk and has a defining presence in the neighbourhood. Surrounded by towers of varying colours and heights, its shimmering dark façade gives the building the monumental quality this prominent location demands. The design emphasizes a vibrant ground floor, variation at eye level, and a striking corner facing the street. MOtown Track 8 contributes to the transformation of Sloterdijk from an office district into a lively, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.
MO*town Track 8 addresses the ambitious sustainability goals of Haven-Stad with an integrated and people-centred approach. The design promotes biodiversity and climate resilience through layered greenery at every level—from communal rooftop gardens to façade planting in pre-cultivated, ready-to-install planters. An underground reservoir with a 260 m³ capacity collects rainwater for irrigation. Solar cells integrated into glass balustrades generate renewable energy on-site. To support low-carbon lifestyles, the project prioritises sustainable mobility. Located within walking distance of Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, the building features a mobility hub with bicycle parking and space for shared electric vehicles. This reduces car dependency and encourages shared, energy-efficient transport.
De Zwarte Hond designed MO*town Track 8 in Sloterdijk Amsterdam, a pioneering project in this transforming office district. The robust residential building, with 94 apartments and ground-floor facilities, fosters social connection. Following the 'People attract People' principle, the building serves not only as a place to live but also as a community gathering space where residents spend time together, thanks to its stepped architecture, steel walkways, and communal gardens. The materialization of the stepped facade, featuring glossy, dark-colored bricks, contrasts with the lighter surrounding buildings and gives the structure a monumental appearance, fitting its high-density urban setting. The stepped design of Track 8, the steel walkways and communal gardens are not only visually appealing but also actively enhance social interaction among residents. This makes it easy for residents to connect and take an active role in their community. Additionally, the gardens provide an inviting space for relaxation and a place where residents can come together and enjoy the outdoors. Another key feature is the variety of housing sizes and the mix of target groups, with a natural mix of inhabitants. The variety of housing options encourages interaction between people from different backgrounds, contributing to the development of a vibrant and inclusive community.
“Rather than addressing density, sustainability, and inclusivity as separate challenges, MO*town Track 8 integrates them into a single, cohesive vision. The result is not just a residential building, but a prototype for future mixed-use urban living—where architecture serves as a catalyst for connection, resilience, and transformation.”
De Zwarte Hond is a design agency for architecture, urbanism and strategy with studios in Groningen, Rotterdam, Cologne and Berlin. Combining social engagement with design expertise, we create projects that are deeply connected to their context, responsive to users’ needs and aligned with our client’s ambitions.
We understand the layered forces at play in every location. This allows us to identify what adds value and improves quality of life — for people, streets and cities. Our work is firmly rooted, speaks the local language and stands out through subtle individuality. This arises from careful detailing, material use, the strong in–out relationship and smart spatial concepts.
We design places, buildings and environments that are anything but ordinary. Thoughtfully conceived, made to endure, and able to evolve with time and future use.
