Crystal Houses / MVRDV

Architects: MVRDV
Area: 840 m²
Year: 2016
Photography: MVRDV, Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee, Poesia
Manufacturers: Siko, Poesia/ Vetreria Resanese
Co-Architects: Gietermans & Van Dijk Wim Gietermans, Arjan Bakker, Tuğrul Avuçlu
Constructor: Brouwer & Kok – Paul Brouwer, ABT – Rob Nijsse
Contractor: Wessels Zeist, Robert van der Hoef, Richard van het Ende, Marco, Ronald van de Poppe
Design Team: Winy Maas, Gijs Rikken, Mick van Gemert, Marco Gazzola, Renske van der Stoep, Antonio Luca Coco
Research: Frederic A. Veer, Faidra Oikonomopoulou, Telesilla Bristogianni
Municipality Aesthetics Commission: Wealth – Charlotte ten Dijke, Ellis van den Hoek, Natasja Hogen, Patrick Koschuch, Alexander Pols, Gus Tielens, Marcel van Winsen, Pepijn Diepenveen
Client: Warenar Real Estate
Programs / Use / Building Function: Retail, Residential
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands

Crystal Houses, a flagship store designed by MVRDV in Amsterdam, combines Dutch heritage with international architecture. Located on the P.C. Hooftstraat, the near full-glass façade mimics the original buildings, complying with updated zoning laws. The glass bricks gradually transition into a traditional terracotta brick façade for the apartments above, adhering to the city’s aesthetics rules. This design addresses the homogenization of high-end shopping streets due to globalization by offering a unique and transparent storefront while maintaining architectural character. The project involved innovative glass construction techniques, extensive collaboration with multiple partners, and a focus on sustainability and recyclability. Completed in 2016, the store is currently operated by Chanel.

MVRDV’s Crystal Houses began with Warenar’s request to design a flagship store on P.C. Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s luxury brand street. MVRDV aimed to represent the original buildings using glass extensively. The glass façade mimics the original design, including the brick layers and window frames, but is vertically stretched to meet updated zoning laws and increase interior space. Glass bricks cover the façade, dissolving into a traditional terracotta brick façade for the apartments above, as required by the city’s aesthetics rules.

The design addresses the loss of local character in shopping areas worldwide, a result of globalization leading to homogenized high-end shopping streets. Crystal Houses offers the store the window surface needed for contemporary retail while maintaining architectural character and individuality. The project aims to create a standout flagship store.

Winy Maas, architect and co-founder of MVRDV, explains, “We said to the client, ‘Let’s bring back what will be demolished but develop it further.'” Crystal Houses respects the surrounding structure and introduces poetic glass construction innovation. It allows global brands to blend transparency with local color and modernity with heritage.

MVRDV worked with various partners to develop the necessary technologies. Solid glass bricks were individually crafted by Poesia in Resana, near Venice. Research by Delft University of Technology, in partnership with engineering firm ABT and contractor Wessels Zeist, developed structural solutions using a high-strength, UV-bonded transparent adhesive from Delo Industrial Adhesives in Germany.

Six to ten experts worked daily for a year in a setting resembling a laboratory more than a construction site. Due to the materials’ sensitivity, high accuracy and craftsmanship were needed, and a technical team was always onsite. New construction methods and tools, including high-tech lasers and UV-lamps, were used, along with Dutch full-fat milk to level the first layer of bricks. Despite its delicate appearance, strength tests showed the glass-construction was stronger than concrete.

The project uncovered possibilities for future building, such as minimizing waste materials. All glass components are recyclable, and waste materials like imperfect bricks were melted down and repurposed. The entire façade can be melted down and reused at the end of its life. Security features include a concrete ram-raid defense plinth, hidden with reflective and translucent materials. Repair protocols were developed for replacing individual bricks if needed.

Energy requirements are met through renewable sources, with a ground source heat pump providing optimal indoor climate year-round. This is crucial for maintaining delicate detailing while ensuring energy balance.

The store is operated by Chanel, which will return to its previous location on P.C. Hooftstraat, also owned by Warenar. MVRDV collaborated with professors and PhD researchers from Delft University of Technology, engineering firm ABT, and others. Poesia developed the glass bricks, and Gietermans & Van Dijk aided in architectural design. Structural engineers Brouwer & Kok and contractor Wessels Zeist contributed, with the Van de Poppe brothers innovating the adhesive and glass brick laying. CCS Energy Advice helped with sustainable solutions and energy production. Contributors to glass elements include Siko, Cura Glass, and Van Tetterode Glass Studio.