Did you know that Amsterdam has its own pyramids? These aren’t ancient tombs. This is De Piramide, a unique residential complex. We are standing in front of De Piramide. It is located on the Marcanti Island. De Piramide offers a modern twist on historical architectural themes.
De Piramide refers to Egypt’s wonders. It also reflects Amsterdam’s stepped gables. Its shape echoes the triangular form of Marcanti Island. The address is Jan van Galenstraat 1-29 and Marcantilaan 496-500.
In the 1970s, Sier van Rhijn designed Marcanti Island. His plan was symmetrical. However, it remained unfinished. There were temporary schools and sport halls on the site. The city decided to complete the design.
Sjoerd Soeters of PPHP/Soeters van Eldonk Architects designed De Piramide. The city rejected his first design. It was a single pyramidal tower of 75 meters. They found it too tall. Soeters adapted his plan. He created two shorter, interlocking triangular towers. These towers have stepped sides. They reach 55 meters in height.
Construction started in 2003. It was completed in 2007. De Piramides consists of two pyramid-shaped apartment buildings. They appear to be pushed into each other. The two pyramids form one structure up to the 11th floor. Above that, the building splits into two separate parts. The stepped shape of the side walls resembles the stepped gables. These gables are found on some 17th-century houses in Amsterdam’s city center.
De Piramides contains 82 apartments. A crèche and a gallery are on the ground floor. Each flat building has its own lift and staircase. There is a raised public square at the back of the building. Below this square is a large underground parking garage. It is for the residents. Chimneys stand on the square. They are air pipes. These pipes supply fresh air to the garage and remove stale air.
The stepped sides of De Piramide create amazing terraces. The shoulders of the building match the height of the existing buildings. The towers increase in distance and height from there. This makes them less dominant.
Bus line 18 stops in front of De Piramide. It stands in front of De Piramide on the Jan van Galenstraat.
De Piramide gives Marcanti Island a symbol. It refers to the Berlage urban design nearby. In this design, tall buildings interrupt the normal height at crucial points. From the south, the projecting parts complement the flat construction. These are the residential blocks. Soeters chose the pyramid shape. He based it on the triangular layout of the Kop van Jut district.
So, next time you think of pyramids, remember Amsterdam’s version. It’s a testament to innovative design. It is a nod to both ancient wonders and local architectural styles. De Piramide stands as a unique landmark.