Reclaimed Doors Form Façade Of Timber Housing Cooperative
De Torteltuin is a 40-home housing cooperative on Centrumeiland in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, designed by Natrufied Architecture. The project combines a largely timber load-bearing structure with reclaimed façade materials, shared amenities and nature-inclusive design. Developed between 2022 and 2026, the building aims to support affordable urban living while reducing its reliance on conventional construction materials.
Timber Structure Reduces Concrete Use
From ground level upwards, the building’s load-bearing structure consists of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber beams. The lift shaft is also made entirely from CLT. Lift cores in timber buildings are still often constructed from concrete, but the architects chose a timber solution to limit the amount of concrete and continue the wooden structure into the building’s core.
Timber therefore serves both a structural and architectural purpose. Its visible use contributes to the character of the interiors while forming an important part of the project’s sustainability strategy.
Façades Made From Reclaimed Wood
A large proportion of the façade cladding comes from reclaimed materials. Around 250 former front doors were recovered from homes in Alkmaar. In addition, the project team collected and sorted several batches of used timber before processing them into façade components.
The wood was cut and adapted where necessary, partly in collaboration with a social workshop. Differences in origin, timber species, colour and previous use remain visible. Instead of creating a uniform surface, the design uses these variations and traces as part of the building’s architectural expression.
Future residents also helped to install sections of the façade cladding. Their involvement connects the construction process with the cooperative nature of the development.
A Greenhouse For Shared Living
A large greenhouse forms the central communal space. It captures solar heat and can release this warmth back into the building when required. The space accommodates several shared functions, including a library, bar, communal kitchens and a stage.
By sharing rooms and amenities, residents can use the available space more efficiently. At the same time, these collective areas encourage social interaction within the cooperative.
Integrating Biodiversity And Water
The design also incorporates climbing plants, planters, rainwater collection and nesting facilities for several species, including bats. These elements make vegetation, water management and habitats an integral part of the architecture.
De Torteltuin brings together timber construction, material reuse, collective living and nature-inclusive design in a single residential development.
Source: Natrufied Architecture / Torteltuin
Images: Natrufied Architecture