Paperdome gets a new purpose

After being stored for over ten years, Octatube Services is reconstructing the remarkable 2003 cardboard dome, Paperdome, in Amsterdam. It will serve as a sports hub for and by young people in the K-neighbourhood in Amsterdam Southeast. The opening is scheduled for January 2025.

Octatube Services has thoroughly inspected and tested all original components. Pressure tests on the cardboard tubes have demonstrated that they remain adequatly strong for use, particularly in combination with an suitable maintenance plan that includes inspections and upkeep of Octatube Services four times a year. Some of tubes and steel parts needed replacement.

As autumn has started, the main challenge is keeping the cardboard dry while assembling the dome. Octatube Services is assembling the cardboard top separately – next to the final location – before placing it on the steel base. You can follow the construction live via the webcam: https://paperdome.camera.bouwtimelapse.nl/

The Paperdome was Octatube's first cardboard project and was originally located in Amsterdam IJburg in 2003, hosting dance performances for six weeks. In 2004, we rebuilt the dome in Leidsche Rijn Utrecht, where it functioned as a multipurpose space until dismantling in spring 2012. Now, more than a decade later, the municipality of Amsterdam has found a new purpose for the Paperdome.

In the K-neighbourhood in Amsterdam Southeast, Stichting 3x3 Unites, together with Stichting Hart voor de K-buurt, local partners and community initiatives, will host free sports and exercise activities for all young people in Amsterdam. A 3x3 basketball court with a mobile basket will be set up in the Paperdome. Worthy de Jong, a member of the gold-winning Olympic 3x3 team NL, is the project's ambassador.

Octatube and Octatube Services are proud and delighted that the Paperdome will once again be used for a wonderful community initiative. We wish the municipality and the operators great enjoyment with this unique venue!