The Booster pump station is located at the Zeeburgereiland in Amsterdam. The building accommodates three Booster pumps, which collects all sewage of Amsterdam East and passes it on to the new central sewage purification centre in Amsterdam West.

The main function of the building is to shelter and stop the sound of the pumps. Therefor the building could be treated as a sculpture. The shape is dictated by the program and the directions found in the site. The concrete skin is molded around the functional elements. The volume cantilevers to accommodate the mezzanine for operating the pumps, it dents where the entry doors are located, and wraps around the heavy in- and outgoing pipes. The roof is treated like the fifth elevation, in order to make it a truly all-round object. The distinct crystal-like shape of the building gives it an ever-changing appearance.

The building is executed in pigmented prefabricated concrete, treated with sand blasting technique in different depths. A bas-relief pattern wraps around the building like a web. A play of text patterns is molded on the base of the building. The pigmentation, the relief and texture treatments are done in such a way that the qualities of concrete are used in the most optimal way. It gives the concrete a a refined and filigree look, with a beautiful deep blue-green color. The rich ornamentation is enhanced at night by small light fittings placed in the cantilevers. It enlightens the base of the building with a diffuse blue light and makes it glow at night.

DATA

location Jachthavenlaan, Zeeburgereiland, Amsterdam

programm Booster Pump Station, 650 m2

client DWR, Dienst Waterbeheer en Riolering

design 2002-04

completion June 2005

designteam Juliette Bekkering, Corine Keus, Jason Williams, Sander Brand, Milena Zaklanovic.