The UNStudio Tower is a key part of the Mahler4 development, a vibrant cluster of six buildings in Amsterdam's Zuidas district, connecting Schiphol Airport to major business hubs. The Mahler4 complex includes 38,000 m² of residential space, 162,000 m² of office space, and 30,000 m² for retail, hospitality, and sports facilities. Rising 82.5 meters, the UNS Tower offers 20 floors of office space and a ground floor mezzanine, with the Royal Bank of Scotland occupying nine floors along Gustav Mahlerlaan.
The tower’s façade features a dynamic interplay of horizontal and vertical elements inspired by the Moiré effect. Horizontal aluminum bands wrap the building, varying in size and transparency to filter sunlight while allowing natural light deep into the interior. Vertical voids spanning multiple floors enhance the connection between interior and exterior, defining the tower’s appearance and improving interior space quality.
Sustainability is central to the design, with high-quality materials reducing replacements and a lightweight frame minimizing environmental impact. The façade regulates sunlight and noise, while thermal glazing ensures daylight penetration and reduces direct sunlight. Energy-efficient systems, including underground energy storage and water-saving fixtures, cut energy use by 30-35.7%.
Flexibility ensures the building adapts to future needs. Office floors can convert to residential spaces without structural changes, and the façade allows for easy glass panel replacement. Vertical voids can transform into balconies, ensuring the building remains sustainable and adaptable, as UNS founder Ben van Berkel notes: "The column structure allows for functional changes, ensuring long-term flexibility."