Social housing tower Stepstone wins 2024 Zuiderkerk Award

Stepstone in Zuidas has been named the winner of the 2024 Zuiderkerk Award, presented annually to a residential development project in Amsterdam. The judges hailed the development of 216 affordable new homes in Zuidas as “helping to diversify the area”. 
 
Developed by housing corporation Lieven de Key, Stepstone offers 216 starter apartments in the social rental sector. Tenants can stay for a maximum of five years before moving along the property ladder. The 2024 Zuiderkerk Award’s three-member judging panel cited the building’s impressive design by the firm of LEVS architecten and in particular praised the creation of affordable housing in Zuidas.  

From the judging report 

“Stepstone is a sleek tower rising 80 metres and is instantly noteworthy for its alternating outdoor spaces and striking glass-panelled crown. The glass walls offer spectacular views, especially at sundown, as one resident rightly noted. The building brings an exceptional dynamism to Zuidas, traditionally known for upmarket homes. The judges applaud the decision to create affordable housing for young people in Zuidas, helping to diversify the area.” 

“Stepstone is an appealing and multifaceted housing concept for young people in the heart of one of the most prestigious parts of Amsterdam. It adds affordable homes to an area normally associated with high incomes, making the project not only architecturally but also socially worthwhile and therefore deserving of the 2024 Zuiderkerk Award.” 

Innovation District 

Stepstone is located in the centre of the Innovation District, within walking distance of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC (VUmc location) and Amsterdam Zuid station. Some 2,700 homes are being built here through the coming years. This includes those in the recently completed Stepstone building and multifunctional complex The Pulse of Amsterdam, plus another 25 private sector homes in Ceci as well as 127 student units being developed by the DUWO housing corporation, both set to be completed by the end of 2026.  

Zuiderkerk Award 

The Zuiderkerk Award (Zuiderkerkprijs) is presented annually and is the City of Amsterdam’s premier award in the housing sector. Out of a total of 64 housing projects submitted in the period from 1 August 2023 to 1 August 2024, three nominees were selected, from which Stepstone was chosen as the winner. 

 
Source: zuidas.nl