Dutch studio Barcode Architects and Danish architecture studio BIG have unveiled the Sluishuis housing block above the IJ lake in Amsterdam’s IJburg district.

Built on an artificial island in the IJ lake, the residential development contains 442 apartments and has a distinctive squared shape, with blocks on two sides of the square cantilevered to create a gateway above the water and the other two blocks stepping down to create terraces with apartments opening out on top balconies. The building hosts also inside a harbor.

“Our Sluishuis is conceived as a city block of downtown Amsterdam floating in the IJ lake, complete with all aspects of city life,” said Bjarke Ingels. “Towards the city, the building kneels down to invite visitors to climb its roof and enjoy the panoramic view of the new neighborhoods on the IJ”.