I love that raw edge around this pearl of a city. There is life, dynamism, change. Especially the constructive element of boats and cranes, the rusted part, sailing by. You will notice that in my work too: it is elegant, but you can see its construction. I am constantly aestheticizing the connections, the technical element, the artisanship. Having lived together for a while, next to the Vondelpark, we had a baby and then you find yourself in need of a different kind of house. We ended up buying a home in the Houthavens [lumber ports], 5 minutes from my studio. The way this neighbourhood is laid out, means you are surrounded by water. I am not consciously looking for water, but I do think that, having been born in the coastal province of Zeeland, there is this underlying feeling. I like having water around me. I have a boat and enjoy taking friends along, crisscrossing Amsterdam. Because that is the most primal way to experience this city. I can’t name any of the streets, but sailing through, in my boat, I know exactly where I am.’

The perfect moment to ask Sjoerd Vroonland for insider tips in, near and on the waterways of Amsterdam.

Sjoerd’s tips:

• The Houthaven—sustainable residential area in the IJ, with car-free ‘peninsulas’. ‘The fact that lumber from all over the world would arrive here, is a great story for me in itself. And the newbuilds refer to the olden days, because none exceed four floors. It is truly built on the water, like a modern-day ring of canals.’
• Swimming at BOAT&CO. ‘There is a huge jetty in front of the hotel. On a sunny day, there are loads of people stretching out on their towels, swimming in the IJ and lunching on the terrace behind the jetty. I actually prefer going in winter. Simply walking out of your front door in your bathrobe, at 7am. Lovely.’
• The ship models of the Rijksmuseum. ‘A bit cliché maybe, but the Rijks remains a favourite. Especially early morning, when it’s not too busy and you ride your bike through the bike tunnel straight into the museum. You will find me at the ships models, a hall filled with floating boats. Phenomenal woodwork and so much history.’
• Gallery Ron Mandos. ‘This is such a cool gallery, with, for example, beautiful works by Levi van Veluw. Go on a Saturday afternoon and have a drink there.’
• Hotel Jakarta. ‘Almost entirely built with wood, both in its construction and finish. The indoor garden is spectacular. Timber construction is the future, as far as I’m concerned. The environmental impact of concrete is huge. And it feels so nice to be surrounded by wood: it breathes, it absorbs sound. Wood is much more alive. From the indoor pool you can look out over the IJ.’
• REM-Eiland. ‘This platform was once situated off the coast of Noordwijk, initially home to an illegal TV station—TV Noordzee—and then a meteorological outpost. In 2011, it was moved to the Nieuwe Houthavens and today houses a restaurant, with great views from the terrace. Not a place you just stumble upon, if you don’t know where it is.’