Overlooking Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, The Valley stands as a testament to urban transformation. The Valley isn’t just a building. It’s a statement, a green oasis carved into the heart of a corporate jungle. This innovative structure, designed by MVRDV for EDGE Technologies, challenges the very notion of what a building can be. The Valley, completed in 2022, is much more than offices and apartments. It’s a mixed-use complex spanning an impressive 75,000 square meters. The Valley houses shops, cultural institutes, a creative center, and even a publicly accessible “valley floor” nestled on the building’s podium, bridging the 4th and 5th floors.
The Valley emerges from a need for balance. The Zuidas district, having rapidly evolved into a major international business hub, lacked a residential focus. The city of Amsterdam aimed to create a more livable, complete urban quarter. The Valley is a direct response to that vision, injecting life and vibrancy into the district. Three peaks of varying heights, reaching up to 100 meters, define The Valley’s striking silhouette. Atop these peaks sits a publicly accessible Sky-bar, offering stunning panoramic views of Amsterdam. Within The Valley’s embrace lie 200 apartments, seven stories of offices, a three-story underground parking garage, and a variety of retail and cultural facilities.
A pedestrian path winds its way from street level, guiding visitors through retail spaces, terraces, and lush roof gardens. This path ascends to the heart of The Valley – the central valley area – which stretches across the 4th and 5th floors, encircling the central tower. The renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf designed The Valley’s vegetation. His vision focuses on year-round greenery, ensuring a constant vibrant presence amidst the urban landscape. The Valley’s design embodies the concept of transition. It bridges the gap between residential and commercial functions, connecting green sports fields with the dense urban environment of the business center.
The Valley’s architecture reflects this duality. The reflecting glass exterior façade acknowledges its corporate surroundings, mirroring the neighboring buildings. In stark contrast, the inner façade features rugged stone terraces adorned with large planters. This contrast highlights the human scale within this colossal structure. Tucked away beneath the valley floor is The Grotto, a large interior space clad in natural stone. Lit by two large skylights that double as water-filled ponds on the valley above, The Grotto serves as a communal living room for residents and a grand foyer for other activities.
The apartments at The Valley feature large, openable windows and sliding doors leading to outdoor spaces integrated into the stone façade. Outdoor ceilings and terraces are also clad in natural stone, as are the automatically hydrated planters that contribute to The Valley’s green aesthetic. Glass railings provide protection from wind and sound while preserving the panoramic views. No two apartments are alike, thanks to a parametric tool used in the design process, ensuring a diverse range of unique living spaces. The Valley achieves an impressive -0.3 EPC rating, holds a GPR score of 8, and aims for a BREEAM-NL Excellent rating, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.