Feb 19 2008
The winner of the eighth annual Emporis Award for the Best New Skyscraper of the Year is a 43-story residential building called "Het Strijkijzer" in The Hague, Netherlands. It was chosen from a worldwide pool of 634 eligible high-rise buildings.
Het Strijkijzer
The many reasons for choosing Het Strijkijzer included its structurally expressive folded-triangle shape which responds well to its small site. The triangular shape is indented along most of its height, forming a V-shape. The building thus appears differently from every angle, yet can be recognized at once by its prominent overhanging crown. Designed by AAArchitecten and developed by Vestia, Het Strijkijzer is currently the tallest residential tower in The Hague and the 14th-tallest all-residential tower in Europe. The development is unique because of its developer's intention to provide affordable housing for young people. Its 351 residential units include 51 luxury rental apartments and 300 studios for persons between ages 18 and 27.
The Silver Award for second place goes to "Newton Suites" in Singapore, a 120 meter (394 foot) residential tower with a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable design. The Bronze Award goes to "Ontario Tower" in London, a 106 meter (346 foot) residential tower by the River Thames whose design was inspired by the factory chimneys and ship smokestacks of the London of the Industrial Revolution.
The Emporis Skyscraper Award is the only award of its kind presented each year to individual skyscrapers on a worldwide basis.