WoZoCo (Oklahoma)

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The WoZoCo apartments (also known as Oklahoma) are situated in Osdorp, on the southwest edge of Amsterdam. These apartments for the elderly are of special architectural interest. Certain blocks stick out of the flat at crazy angles with huge overhangs, seeming to defy gravity.

Innovative solution The WoZoCo apartments are located on the corner of the Ookmeerweg and Reimerswaalstraat. The architects from MVRDV faced the challenge of designing a building that fit the requirements of the community, considered the living density in terms of growing population, and retained as much open green space as possible. Hanging apartments Housing association Het Oosten wanted to build on this site, but due to strict zoning regulations only 87 units could adequately fit. The architects came up with a very creative solution to fit more apartments into the allotted space. They cantilevered the units off the north façade, giving them the impression of hanging them precariously from the central structure.