Kraanspoor office development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Urban Land Institute Global Award for Excellence, 26 October 2008

The ULI Global Awards for Excellence recognise projects that provide the best cross-regional lessons in land use practices. Kraanspoor was praised for its innovative concept that can be emulated around the world, its strong urban design responding to the surrounding environment and contributing to a liveable, sustainable development demonstrating relevance to the needs of the community.

"We are delighted that Crane Track has won this award and are humbled by the praise of the ULI jury. Crane Track is an office project I am extremely proud of as it reflects the exemplary outcome of sustainable urban planning”, said George Jautze, CEO ING Real Estate. “The creative design by Trude Hooykaas is a prime example of introducing new life to an industrial heritage site in a refined and respectful manner”.

National Steel Award, the Netherlands, 23 October 2008

The award was presented during the National Steel Construction Day held in the Netherlands on the above date and organised by ‘Bouwen met Staal’, the Dutch foundation for steel construction.

Jury report
This project commands respect in many areas. In the first instance, there is appreciation for the initiative and the perseverance of the architect, as a result of which the project was realised despite a great deal of resistance. The exceptional concept with which the old concrete crane track was revitalised to form the foundations of a contemporary office building is an inspiring example of respectfully recycling industrial heritage. The way in which the building fits into its surroundings naturally is just as appealing as its architectural image. By using a skeleton made of light steel containing hollow floors, the existing concrete construction was fully utilised, and as a result maximised square metres of office space. The building’s transparent image would not have been possible without the slim steel construction. Using the possibilities of steel to the maximum, Crane Track is a true winner!’

Glass Award 2008, the Netherlands, 23 October 2008

The Glass Award is an initiative of the Glass Industry Organisation in the Netherlands, the umbrella organisation for employers in the flat glass industry in the Netherlands, representing two hundred companies. The award was presented to OTH Architects, Amsterdam, at Glastec in Dűsseldorf, Germany.

Jury report
“Crane Track is an eye-catching building, which combines the old with the new, renovation and reuse. The building’s transparency both during the day and at night has created an icon on the north bank of the River IJ, a historic location which is currently being redeveloped.
In addition to steel and concrete, glass plays a key role. Crane Track is an excellent example of the possibilities offered by flat glass, which OTH Architects have applied, and has contributed to blending industrial heritage with contemporary architecture”.

Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence, 29 May 2008

The ULI Jury chaired by Ian Hawsworth selected Kraanspoor from eleven finalists because of ‘the extraordinary character of this office development bringing life to a former brownfield site on the banks of the River IJ.’

MIPIM Green Building Award and MIPIM Special Jury Award, 13 March 2008

The Green Building Award was voted for by delegates at the MIPIM conference in Cannes. The three-storey 12,500m² glass office building that appears to float over its old concrete base also won the coveted MIPIM Special Jury Award, from among 15 contenders. Kraanspoor or Crane Track’s indoor climate is regulated by a double-skin façade with movable louvers and solar-controlled glazing, whilst openings in the floor and a low-energy mechanical extraction system provide ventilation. In summer, Kraanspoor is cooled by water from the river below whilst, in colder months, the relatively warm water from the River IJ is used to preheat the central heating system. The building’s flexible design can be adapted to other functions, even housing in the future.

Kraanspoor wins propertyNL award for best scale model, 18 January 2008

The scale model of Kraanspoor designed by RoVorm, Amsterdam, was selected from among nineteen entries by means of a poll on the PropertyNL website  and during the PropertyNL forum on 17 January. A few hundred votes were received.