Tennis club IJburg

On a narrow strip of ground, between the center court and the water of the IJ, MVRDV has built a long, open and bright space. Kitchen and locker rooms are located at the ends of this space. The interior of the concrete structure is lined with FSC certified wood. The thermal properties of these materials together with the natural ventilation contribute to a more ambitious durability standard.

The cherry on the cake is the curving roof that also serves as a grandstand. The ingenious shape creates a rising row of seats on the upper side. The grandstand section below this looks like an amphitheater. Together, they make one think of a lazy couch. Thanks to its design and transparency the Couch functions as the radiant center of the club and of the neighborhood.

Category winner Best Building of the year 2016