Poppies

Poppies comprises 98 apartments and communal facilities such as a kitchen, living room, gallery, catering facilities, roof garden, studio, and workspaces. The apartments are made entirely of cross-laminated timber. More than 80% of the construction consists of bio-based and renewable materials and is completely prefabricated, which meant that the construction time was short and CO₂ emissions were limited. The apartments were prefabricated and installed on site as complete modules and interconnected.

Pioneering this construction method requires innovative research into building physics, sound, fire safety, and construction, which VDNDP has brought together into a single junction detail that could be used to realize all units. VDNDP was given the opportunity to develop the architectural design from the final design phase (DO) through to the implementation-ready design.

Just like the wild poppy, a pioneer species that thrives in challenging (urban) locations, Poppies will develop into a beautiful and resilient community development. As a showcase for circular design, this experimental mixed-use development serves as an urban oasis—with an extensive roof garden and orchard—and a hub for upcycling and smart energy.

Poppies is an innovative timber construction project that not only won the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2025, but was also nominated in November 2025 for the prestigious Zuiderkerk Award 2025 for best residential building in Amsterdam.