Construction has begun on The Ark, a timber residential project in Amsterdam’s Overhoeks district, designed by Powerhouse Company in collaboration with Amvest. More than just another housing development, The Ark embodies a shared belief in timber as the future of sustainable construction—combining architectural innovation, long-term quality, and well-being.
This project is part of a wider urban transformation that will shape Amsterdam’s identity for decades. With the Municipality of Amsterdam, Amvest, and Powerhouse Company working in close partnership, The Ark represents a coordinated commitment to building sustainably and responsibly.
Timber Tactility and Well-being
Housing is more than shelter—it directly influences mental health and emotional comfort. At The Ark, timber is not hidden behind finishes but left exposed within the apartments. This design choice integrates the psychological benefits of wood into everyday life. Warmth, tactility, and sensory depth are all qualities associated with reduced stress and improved well-being.
Full-width balconies extend living spaces outward, reinforcing a connection to nature and creating calm, restorative environments. As architect Maxime Meessen explains: “Timber allows biophilic design to be felt rather than explained, creating a psychological comfort rooted in our relationship with natural materials.”
The Ark is designed to engage with its surroundings on multiple levels. On the street-facing side, a clearly defined entrance, a public terrace, and ground-floor commercial spaces contribute to a lively streetscape. Toward the waterfront, the atmosphere shifts to something more tranquil, with a shared garden offering both retreat and social interaction.
Balconies wrap around the building, visually and socially connecting the two façades, while a central entrance hall accessible from both sides forms the architectural and social heart of the project.
Structure and Expression
The Ark’s structure combines a limited concrete base with an extensive timber superstructure. Concrete is used only where necessary—for the basement, ground floor, and core—providing stability and accommodating parking and commercial functions. Above this, timber takes over, organised in a repetitive and efficient system that ensures clarity and consistency.
Partner architect Paul Stavert highlights the dual benefits: “The building is designed to be generous, durable and enjoyable to inhabit. Timber allowed us to combine long-term quality with a fast and controlled construction process.”
Living Sustainably: A Material of the Future
For Powerhouse Company, timber is not a passing trend but a material of the future. Founder Nanne de Ru reflects: “As a team, we have long recognised wood as a material of the future and have continuously expanded our expertise in its applications.”
With 125 apartments—81 rental and 44 for sale—plus commercial spaces and a shared garden, The Ark is more than a building. It’s a statement about how we want to live: sustainably, healthily, and in harmony with our environment.
The Ark demonstrates how architecture can respond to climate challenges while enhancing everyday life. By embracing timber, the project reduces reliance on carbon-heavy materials, accelerates construction, and creates homes that feel restorative and connected to nature.
For a generation that values sustainability and authenticity, The Ark is not just housing—it’s a blueprint for the future of urban living.
