Nomination “building of the year 2021” , the Dutch Architects Association BNA

FROM THE JURYREPORT: Residential building Top-Up was conceived as an enormous ‘topping’, built on the foundations of an old storage warehouse in Amsterdam North. It is the second project that architect Tom Frantzen built as a developer; previously, after he won the Sustainability Tender Amsterdam North, he realized the adjacent, timber apartment building Patch22. He saw Top-Up as an opportunity to apply lessons learned. The concept – a timber building with shell houses that residents complete themselves – is the same. Because there are no load bearing separation walls and MEP facilities haven’t bee poured in in concrete, but are placed in a hollow floor, the houses are easy to adapt and/or join together. Converting into an office is also possible; the storey height, escape route and floor loads are calculated accordingly. The building – built in 28 days – is easy to dissassemble; the components can then be reused. This also applies to the adjacent parking garage, which is (partly) made of recycled bricks. The jury finds it special how the architect has stepped into the role of developer to search for new – successful – spatial and financial solutions with ‘an enormous passion’; the fact that Frantzen himself lives in the building says something about the end result. The building is modular, circular and can accommodate different functions. The high spaces and spacious loggias provide light and air, the wooden facade a sense of shelter and make the house a home. Except for the entrance and stairs, which are somewhat minimally finished, the jury finds the project beautifully executed.