Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Architect: MVRDV.

MVRDV’s Crystal Houses is a flagship store designed to combine Dutch heritage and international architecture on the PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s distinctive luxury brand street. It features a near full-glass façade that mimics the original design, but is stretched vertically to comply with updated zoning laws and to allow for an increase in interior space. The design aims to provide a solution to the loss of local character in shopping areas around the world, while maintaining architectural character and individuality. MVRDV worked closely with a number of partners to develop the technologies to make it possible, including solid glass bricks from Poesia, research from Delft University of Technology, engineering firm ABT and contractor Wessels Zeist, and a high-strength UV bonded, transparent adhesive from Delo Industrial Adhesives. Six to ten experts worked every day for a year in a place that bore more resemblance to a laboratory than a construction site.

The construction of the Delft University of Technology building was a first of its kind, using new construction methods and tools. Strength tests showed that the glass-construction was stronger than concrete, with the full-glass architrave able to withstand a force of up to 42.000 Newton. Additionally, all glass components are completely recyclable, with the exception of added features such as a concrete ram-raid defence plinth. Repair-protocols were developed in the event of any damage. The building was designed around a ground source heat pump, allowing for an optimal indoor climate throughout the year.

MVRDV worked in close partnership with Delft University of Technology, engineering firm ABT, Poesia, Gietermans & van Dijk, Brouwer & Kok, Wessels Zeist, CCS Energy Advice, Siko, Cura Glass, and Van Tetterode Glass Studio. Glass elements included Siko, Cura Glass, and Van Tetterode Glass Studio.

Photo credit: Daria Scagliola, Stijn Brakkee.