The Elements residential tower is being built in Amsterdam’s Amstelkwartier district. This 70-metre-high building will not only provide space for 140 homes and commercial functions, but will also literally give energy back to the city.
Elements was designed by Koschuch Architects in collaboration with Arup and developed by Kondor Wessels. Construction is being carried out by Van Wijnen. Sorba was responsible for the engineering, assembly and installation of the entire façade, including the integrated PV elements.
Designed from the elements
The tower is not “just” designed. Sun, wind, daylight, energy generation, water collection and biodiversity formed the starting point. All these factors were brought together in a parametric 3D model. This resulted in hundreds of variants, from which the most optimal shape was ultimately chosen.
The result is a sculptural tower that looks different on each side. The narrowing at the base creates a more pleasant wind climate at street level and improves the quality of the public space.
From BENG to ENG
Elements becomes energy-producing: from BENG to ENG. The key lies in the façade.
Sorba develops and realises the balcony edges with integrated PV panels. These panels are fully integrated into the façade and together generate more than 100% of the building’s energy requirements. The position and angle of the panels are adjusted to capture optimal sunlight, combining aesthetics and efficiency in this project. The façade is therefore not only a building envelope, but also an active source of energy.
Smart construction, less CO₂
The building is also progressive in terms of construction. The hybrid wood-steel-concrete support structure ensures a significant CO₂ reduction of more than 50% compared to traditional solutions.
There is a concrete floor every six metres, with wooden floors in between. This makes double-height homes possible, including high-altitude lofts with flexible layouts.
Elements shows that sustainability is not an afterthought, but the starting point of the design. Sorba’s integrated PV façade makes that ambition visible and measurable.
