Design vision
The urban development plan for Westerdok in Amsterdam focuses on the redevelopment of old harbor areas into vibrant residential and working spaces. The plan combines mixed-use functions, architectural diversity, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on integrating water and public space. This area is designed for urban densification and offers modern amenities within a historical context.
The VOC Cour complex, designed by Meyer and Van Schooten Architects, is a prominent building in this area. The complex is located directly by the water and offers modern apartments with large windows and views of the Westerdok and the IJ. The architecture combines contemporary styles with references to Amsterdam’s historical VOC past.
Within the VOC Cour complex, inner courtyards have been created, providing peace and greenery in the urban environment. The building also includes energy-efficient technologies and commercial spaces on the ground floor, contributing to the vibrancy of the neighborhood. This project symbolizes the successful transformation of historical rail and harbor areas into modern, comfortable residential spaces.

Living and cooking
This very bright four-room corner apartment has a 10-meter façade with many windows and a beautiful view over the Westerdok, as well as a sunny west-facing terrace. Located on the second floor, the apartment is easily accessible by elevator, which also leads to the parking basement. In the well-maintained central staircase is the apartment’s front door, which opens into a spacious hallway with access to all rooms.
The living room is on the sunny southwest corner, providing a warm and bright apartment. The spacious terrace is accessible through a glass door from the living room and offers a high-quality outdoor space thanks to the many hours of sunshine and the unobstructed view of the water.
The kitchen is stylishly placed along the back wall and features a large island with sink and cooking facilities, including a wine fridge at the front. The other built-in appliances, including ovens, a warming drawer, and a dishwasher, are neatly integrated into the back wall. There is also a niche for an espresso machine. The eight narrow, tall windows and large window stretch from floor to almost ceiling, allowing beautiful light to flood onto the sleek, dark poured floor.
Throughout the apartment, glass doors have been installed to maximize the natural light. The poured floor has been laid seamlessly across the entire apartment and is equipped with underfloor heating, ensuring comfort and a smooth transition between spaces.
In the underground parking garage, accessible by elevator, there is a lockable garage box. This spacious box offers enough room for a car, motorcycle, and a complete storage cabinet at the back.

Sleeping and bathing
The master bedroom, located at the quiet rear side, is spacious and atmospherically designed. The two other rooms are practically sized and are also equipped with glass doors reaching the ceiling, enhancing the sense of space. One of the bedrooms has its own washbasin.
Additionally, there is a generous toilet with a washbasin. The bathroom is spacious and luxuriously appointed with a walk-in shower, two sinks with round mirrors above them, and a freestanding bathtub. Here too, the poured floor continues, and the underfloor heating provides extra comfort. The sand-colored tiles give the whole space a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The terrace
The terrace, directly connected to the living room, is an impressive 9 m² in size and is perfectly west-facing. Thanks to the staggered terraces, which are not directly above each other, you can enjoy plenty of light and sunshine here. From around 12:30 p.m., the sun moves onto the façade and stays there until the evening. On sunny days, the terrace becomes an extension of the living room, ideal for enjoying the nautical atmosphere and the view.

Neighborhood guide
Located on the beloved Westerdokseiland, in the vibrant Haarlemmerbuurt. The lively Haarlemmerdijk, the Jordaan, and a wide range of urban amenities are just a short walk away. Around the corner, you’ll find cozy terraces, restaurants, and unique specialty shops that contribute to the neighborhood’s character. The nearby Westerpark, with the iconic Westergasfabriek, offers the ideal spot for recreation, relaxation, and sports. Additionally, Amsterdam Central Station is just a stone’s throw away, as well as various other public transport options. For families, there is also a daycare center within walking distance, adding extra convenience.

Accessibility
The apartment is easily accessible by bicycle, car, and public transport. The A10 ring road is reachable within 10 minutes by car via exit S101 (Westpoort/Centrum). From the nearby Central Station, several tram, bus, and train lines depart, such as tram 26 to IJburg and bus lines to various parts of the city, including Amsterdam-South and Amsterdam-West. There are also direct train connections to places like Schiphol Airport. By bicycle, Central Station can be reached within 5 minutes, and from there, other districts are easily accessible.

Parking
A parking permit cannot be requested for Westerdok 330 (permit area Centrum-2a). This is part of Amsterdam’s parking policy, introduced to manage the increasing pressure on parking spaces due to the city’s growth. In some new-build and large-scale renovation projects, parking permits for street parking are no longer issued, regardless of the availability of a parking space at the residence. However, there is the option to purchase a secured parking space within the building itself, ensuring that you always have your own spot directly beneath the building.

What the owners will miss
If you walk along the water at Westerdok now, you might not realize it, but this is a historic area. It originated between 1830 and 1834 with the construction of the Westerdoksdam and the Westerdoksluis, aimed at creating a reliable, deep harbor, protected from the tides of the IJ. Initially, the Westerdok played an important role as a harbor and dry dock. After the opening of the North Sea Canal in 1876, the importance of the Westerdok diminished, as this canal provided a more direct route to the North Sea. As a result, about half of the Westerdok was filled in.
Today, the Westerdok is a vibrant area with a beautiful mix of residential and commercial spaces. Everything you need is within walking distance. For daily groceries, the Haarlemmerstraat/Haarlemmerdijk offers plenty of options. In addition, there is a wide range of charming boutiques and kitchen stores, as well as The Movies cinema, and various cafés and restaurants. Every Saturday, the Noordermarkt hosts a large organic market, and at Winkel 43 you can get the best coffee with apple pie. On the IJdok, you can enjoy coffee with a beautiful view of the IJ at Bagels & Beans. Food enthusiasts will love restaurants such as Mos, Nomads aan het IJ, Atelier Wolf, Gossler & Florin, and De Gouden Reael.
We have lived at Westerdok 330 for 16 years with incredible joy. The apartment is spacious and has beautiful natural light thanks to the many windows on both the west and south sides. We still enjoy the view from the living room/kitchen out onto the terrace and the wide water of the Westerdok every day. The trees along the street give the Westerdok an almost village-like character, enhanced by the fact that it is not a through road for car traffic, meaning only local traffic comes by. Across the water, we overlook Bickerseiland, Realeneiland, and the marina. To the south, we see the Posthoorn Church, the Westerkerk, and in the winter, the Noorderkerk. To the north lie the Pontsteiger and the IJ.
Our favorite spot in the house is the spacious room with a view of the water (open kitchen, dining room, and living room) and the adjacent terrace. In the summer, we are always outside on the terrace, where the sun shines from the afternoon until sunset.