The Couch, MVRDV’s tennis clubhouse in IJburg, has been nominated for the BNA Building of the Year Award and has made it into the final three buildings in the category ‘Identity and Iconic Value’. The building was opened in October 2015 and not only serves as a clubhouse but is open for visitors to grab a coffee or meet with friends every day of the year; a living room for IJburg, where the building becomes a part of the community like piece of street furniture.

“TC IJburg shows that small buildings can have an high iconic value as well.” Tells MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas, “With this visual power we strive to make sports a bigger part of society, as a modest contribution in the fight against obesity.”

Contenders in the same category include the McDonald’s in Rotterdam by Mei Architects and Planners, as well as an underground parking garage in Katwijk aan Zee by Royal HaskoningDHV.

The jury, headed by Hanneke Groenteman, will announce the winners of the competition on the 19^th May, which includes five other projects in the categories of ‘Quality of Life and Social Cohesion’ and ‘Stimulating Environments’. Visit the competition website for more details.

The Tennis Club is also in the running for the people’s choice award, which you can vote for here.