Companies shaping sustainable urban development in Amsterdam

FABRICations

FABRICations addresses challenges like climate adaptation in urban spaces and the energy transition. It is an Amsterdam-based architectural and urban design firm specialising in research-driven solutions for healthier, future-proof cities. Their work can be seen at Casco Loft in the Houthavens. For this project, they opted to work with an existing shell instead of building bigger homes or new developments. FietsLab (Bike Lab) proposed future biking infrastructure.

Finch Buildings

Finch Buildings aims to tackle climate change and housing shortages by designing prefabricated, modular homes made entirely from solid cross-laminated timber. Their buildings act as carbon sinks, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions by replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel. At the same time, their modular system enables high-quality, all-electric homes to be delivered up to three times faster than conventional construction, offering a sustainable, scalable solution to pressing urban housing challenges.

MOSS Amsterdam

Cool city? Space & Matter’s other Amsterdam studio, MOSS, transforms urban grey spaces into green, sustainable environments that boost climate resilience, well-being, and community. Using rooftop gardens, green facades, and moss walls, they cool cities, improve air quality, and manage stormwater. Their designs also include nature-focused interiors and edible landscapes to reconnect people with nature. MOSS creates resource-efficient ecosystems that revitalise urban areas into living green oases.

Space & Matter

Space & Matter works on making cities more resilient and sustainable by designing adaptable buildings, circular neighbourhoods, and community-led spaces like De Ceuvel. They specialise in floating urban areas, including Schoonschip, Amsterdam’s floating neighbourhood. The studio also repurposes unused structures, like old bridge control rooms, and involves local communities in shaping their own environments.

HOP Architects

HOP Architects in Amsterdam specialises in sustainable, healthy, and minimalist design for residential, hospitality, and retail spaces. They prioritise natural, low-carbon materials, energy-efficient systems, and features like green roofs and biodiversity support. Their work focuses on reusing existing structures to reduce environmental impact, creating spaces that enhance well-being and community while tackling urban development challenges sustainably.

UNStudio

UNStudio, an Amsterdam-founded global design network, addresses urban challenges like rapid urbanisation and social inequality through human-centric and adaptable design. Recent examples include the Booking.com HQ in Amsterdam, the Canaletto Tower in London, and international masterplans like Brainport Smart District in Helmond. UNStudio’s work often bridges architecture, urban design, and technology to address complex urban and environmental issues.

Benthem Crouwel Architekten

Benthem Crouwel Architekten tackles the pressing challenges of modern urban environments, such as densification, by designing circular infrastructure and buildings. They deliver master plans and urban designs that blend efficiency with adaptable and demountable structures. Using recyclable materials, they integrate energy-neutral, biodiversity-enhancing features in projects like Amsterdam Science Park’s LAB42. They also design Amsterdam Metro Stations: Rokin, Europaplein & Vijzelgracht, key underground stations on the North–South line, designed for high capacity, straightforward navigation, and integration into the urban landscape.

Read more about circularity in Amsterdam