Sluishuis – Amsterdam

A majestic residential and leisure complex on the urban waterfront

Ideally situated where the city, countryside and water meet in Amsterdam's IJburg district, Sluishuis is an iconic residential project designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and Barcode Architects. For the glass, they specified Thermobel iplus with an extra-insulating spacer, in both double and triple-glazing versions. Jutting out over the water, the striking facade is fitted with fire-resistant Pyrobel EI 60 that is strong enough to walk on.

Sluishuis is a contemporary twist on the typical Amsterdam apartment block and integrates seamlessly with its exceptional location on the water. It features 442 compact urban studio apartments (mostly for rent, but some for sale) as well as penthouses. A sailing school, water sports centre and restaurant are housed in the ground level. The dock not only provides berths for houseboats but also serves as a promenade – and there is underground parking for 234 cars.

Extra-insulating glass

Sluishuis's volumes delight and surprise from every angle, due in part to the untreated aluminium in the facade that reflects the water.

The building's heating requirements are low. And thanks in part to the extra-insulating glass It has an EPC of 0. AGC was consulted early on in the project to help Barcode Architects specify which glazing to use. We advised our iplus 1.1 coating in triple glazing (10,000 m² of Thermobel iplus triple 0.6) for the interior and exterior windows and a premium warm edge spacer to ensure an extra low U-value window.

Fire-resistant glazing

The glazing in the cantilevered facade was required to have an EI 60 fire rating. In addition to being fire-resistant and strong enough to walk on, the glazing had to be airtight. The weight made installation a challenge. The fire-resistant glazing was tested and approved, found to be safe in all respects and can be walked on. Residents can see the boats passing beneath them.