A striking façade in the heart of the Zuidas
Beethovenstraat 400 is situated right in the heart of the Zuidas, on the corner of Beethovenstraat and Gustav Mahlerlaan. Designed by UNStudio and forming part of the Gershwin area, the building blends naturally into its surroundings, yet at the same time has a distinct identity of its own.
Architecture and integration
With 13 storeys and a height of over 60 metres, the building matches the scale of the surrounding buildings. Its strength lies in the way the volume is constructed. There is no distinct front or rear, but rather a building that is interesting from every angle.
The north side appears sleeker and more formal, whilst the south-west side feels more open and relaxed. This transition is subtle, but makes the building interesting from every angle. It changes as you move past it.
Facade design and materialisation
The facade is where the project truly comes into its own. Blue accents around the window frames and white lines running like ribbons across the building create a sense of rhythm and depth. The twist in the volume and the overhangs reinforce this effect, giving the building a striking visual profile on Beethovenstraat.
Sorba played a crucial role in the realisation of this striking façade. The company supplied the complete aluminium façade cladding, including the substructure, comprising wall cladding, ceiling cladding, façade bands, canopies and roof cladding in ACM (Alpolic) in various NCS colours. Thanks to this integrated approach, the design was executed exactly as conceived, with attention to detail, sustainability and aesthetics.
Sustainability and comfort
Sustainability here is not about isolated measures, but is embedded in the overall design. Beethovenstraat 400 was developed in accordance with BREEAM principles, with the façade playing a key role.
By cleverly balancing open and closed sections, tailored to the sun’s position, the thermal load is minimised. This ensures a pleasant indoor climate and lower energy consumption. No visible technology, but solutions that are integrated into the design.
Scale and construction
The building has a total floor area of approximately 58,000 m², comprising office space, retail units and an underground car park. Construction began in 2015 and was completed in 2016 by G&S Bouw, on behalf of G&S Vastgoed.
The perfect finish
Beethovenstraat 400 is a remarkable building. It is in the details, in the transitions and in the way the façade responds to its surroundings. This makes the building both a visual landmark and an example of high-quality, sustainable façade construction in the Zuidas.
