HOUTHAVENS BOTANIQUE
PUBLIC PROJECTS
2500m2
HOUTHAVENS BOTANIQUE
IS IN THE MAKING!
Origin
Just west of Amsterdam Central Station, near the Spaarndammerbuurt and along the banks of the IJ, lie the Houthavens. Originally timber ports where wood from Scandinavia, Africa, Asia and Russia was stored, this area is now one of Amsterdam’s newest neighbourhoods. On the very site where ships once docked and timber was traded, a new seed has been planted: Houthavens Botanique. The name references both the historical function of the site and the term ‘botany’, derived from the ancient Greek word meaning “to nourish”. At Houthavens Botanique, it’s taken to mean “to inspire”. Being outdoors – among budding flowers, lush greenery and swaying trees, bathed in sun or shade, caressed by the wind, and surrounded by the sounds of birds and lapping water – Houthavens Botanique is the place to pause, reconnect and recharge. A place to meet others, but above all, yourself.
Heren2
Houthavens Botanique is a collaboration between Erwin Stam Tuinstudio, Boomkwekerij Ebben and Heren2. This park emphasises the importance and power of outdoor space and contributes to a sustainable and healthy living, working and urban environment where the experience of greenery is essential. Around twenty years ago, Heren2 – a property development firm specialising in large-scale urban redevelopment – breathed new life into the Houthavens by constructing offices and residential buildings. Driven by a desire to optimise and green the public space further, Heren2 initiated the idea of transforming a vacant plot along Minervahavenweg into a green haven. Under the leadership of Erwin Stam Tuinstudio, and in partnership with Boomkwekerij Ebben, a ten-year vision was developed for a green oasis within the public realm: Houthavens Botanique. As landscape director, Stam was responsible for the concept and design. Together with Dirk Ebben, he selected the trees and plants for the park.
Erwin Stam Tuinstudio
Based in Amsterdam, Erwin Stam Tuinstudio works with clients in the Netherlands and abroad. Together with a multidisciplinary team, Stam creates timeless outdoor spaces that focus on the bond between people and nature. For every project, Stam explores how to respond to the existing environment – its architecture, history and surroundings. His designs reflect a dynamic balance between classical design and innovative developments, with attention to biodiversity, sustainability and climate change. Stam describes designing an outdoor space as “creating an enclosed place with a layered composition of greenery.” His signature includes clear linear design and rich planting. For Stam, the ultimate outdoor space offers depth and enrichment: “I want there to be peace, for you to feel comfortable. For you to escape, to forget everything. For you to understand that a garden can heal and provide relief on all fronts.”
Boomkwekerij Ebben
At Boomkwekerij Ebben, a family-owned international nursery established in 1862, the passion for greenery runs deep – spanning five generations. Located in the Land van Cuijk region, the nursery covers over 550 hectares and cultivates multi-stem trees, avenue and park trees, and solitary shrubs. Boomkwekerij Ebben strives for greenery that is not only aesthetic but also supports human and environmental wellbeing. Dirk Ebben, the company’s director, states: “Our mission is to enrich the living environment of people and nature by expertly cultivating a wide assortment of high-quality, sustainable plants. We enjoy connecting people with nature and work toward a world where every living climate is surrounded by greenery that makes an impact.”
SAIL 2025, Writer’s Block and Innerfields
Houthavens Botanique is a tranquil green spot where land meets water. Every five years, the adjacent quay hosts SAIL, the world’s largest maritime event. The 2025 edition will celebrate both its 50th anniversary and tenth edition, as well as Amsterdam’s 750th jubilee. To mark the occasion, SAIL, Heren2 and street art platform Writer’s Block joined forces to create a special mural on the edge of Houthavens Botanique. The Berlin-based art collective Innerfields was invited to design the enormous mural, “United by Waves,” highlighting the connection between people and nature. Innerfields explains: “The mural portrays our responsibility for the planet and the exchange between generations. A young boy blowing a sailboat toward an old sailor symbolises the passing on of traditions and duties. United by Waves speaks not only to global connection but also to ecological awareness, innovation and the importance of generational knowledge.”
Artistic Inventions
Inspired by pocket parks in New York and Paris, Houthavens Botanique is a compact green retreat in an urban setting with a big impact on its neighbourhood. For Stam, however, the park can become more than a collective garden focused on climate, sustainability and biodiversity. He envisions a contemporary space where nature and art come together. The mural by Innerfields marks the beginning. In the near future, the park could host a range of low-threshold artistic pop-up initiatives. These small-scale creative events – exhibitions, music, picnics – highlight the park’s multifunctional and socially educational character, offering a model for similar projects in other public spaces throughout Amsterdam.
National Tree Planting Day
On 6 March 2025, during National Tree Planting Day, a large oak tree was planted at the centre of Houthavens Botanique with the help of children from BSO Houthaven, part of Combiwel for Children. This oak, the largest tree in the park, symbolises strength and courage – and represents the future. By involving the next generation, Houthavens Botanique aims to contribute to awareness around climate change and the value of nature.
Official Opening by H.R.H. Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme
On 12 June 2025, Princess Margarita officially opened Houthavens Botanique. Through her company De Parme Design, she creates nature-inspired jewellery and supports various projects by the Trees for All foundation, which promotes reforestation worldwide. The concept of Houthavens Botanique perfectly aligns with her mission: “We tend to underestimate the importance of green space in cities. It’s essential for creativity, for relationships and it provides inspiration.” The seeds she scattered during the opening symbolise the growth of Houthavens Botanique – both literally and figuratively. For Stam, they represent a future vision: Houthavens Botanique as a preview of what’s to come.
Fotografie Chantalle Laurent
Storytelling: Karin van Lieverloo
Juli 2025 © KaaT | Kunst & teksT
