An architectural gateway where the land ends and the water begins—live in the bow of a ship on the IJ.
The Sluishuis (Dutch for 'sluice house') is an apartment building in IJburg, a neighbourhood on artificial islands in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The building, which opened on 13 July 2022, was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, an architecture firm based in Copenhagen and New York City, in collaboration with Rotterdam-based Barcode Architects. The Sluishuis is a sustainable building, with solar panels installed on the roof providing the energy for the lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the complex. Its courtyard has a publicly accessible jetty where boats can moor.
Featured in BIG's definitive monograph, BIG: Formgiving.
Visitor Guide
Walk the public rooftop promenade to see how the apartments step down into the water like a geometric hillside.
From the water in a small boat or kayak, looking up at the massive cantilever that forms the entrance to the inner harbor.
The ground floor features a public restaurant and water sports center. The rooftop promenade is accessible to the public.
The building is zero-energy; it produces more energy than it consumes through its high-performance envelope and integrated solar panels.
1-1.5 hours
Design & Structure
Collaborative parametric modeling between BIG and Barcode Architects to optimize the cantilever for boat passage.
Raw aluminum cladding; FSC-certified timber for the courtyard and terraces.
The massive cantilever is achieved through a bridge-like structural system integrated into the residential walls.
See Together
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Sluishuis?+
Sluishuis was designed by BIG and completed in 2022. It is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Where is Sluishuis located?+
Sluishuis is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its coordinates are 52.3643°, 4.9814°.
When was Sluishuis built?+
Sluishuis was completed in 2022. It was designed by BIG.
Can I visit Sluishuis?+
Sluishuis is a real building in Amsterdam that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.