Droogbak, an emblematic 19th century building located next to the Central Station of Amsterdam, has been transformed into a 21st century office space. The large-scale project took five years to complete. KCAP was responsible for the spatial transformation of the protected building, and Fokkema & Partners were in charge of the interior design of the international law firm Clifford Chance. The objective was to maintain an architectural monument prepared for the future, but at the same time allowing a new way of working.
A reform with maximum respect
The neo-renaissance building Droogbak It was built in 1884 as the headquarters of the Dutch Iron Railway Company. Over time, the building has had several users, and was already the subject of extensive restoration twenty years ago. The current transformation has sought to respectfully adapt the building to the needs of the contemporary work environment; not only through physical interventions - e.g. modernizing air conditioning interior and acoustics - but above all enabling a new way of working, in which informal meetings and social interaction occupy a central place.
Transformation is characterized by delicate but impactful interventions; have been preserved original elements and have been made visible wherever possible, while improving and expanding the spatial connections and visuals inside the building.
The central glazed patio
During the previous restoration, the central patio had been covered and converted into a library. The KCAP architects decided to reactivate this space, turning it into a bright atrium covered by modern glass. Now, it has taken on new life as a dynamic space and a place of meeting, interaction and exchange, and serves as a crucial node in the new layout of the building.
The atrium, present and past
The windows and balconies reinforce the visual relationships between floors and with the atrium, a place to see and be seen. "He atrium is the heart of Droogbak and serves as a starting point” for the concept of transformation, both literally and figuratively. It offers a new dynamic and a new way of working, respecting historical architecture,” says Irma van Oort, partner at KCAP. "A perfect fusion of past and present.”
The spiral staircase: connection point
a sculptural spiral staircase Anodized aluminum is an eye-catcher in the atrium. This staircase, which reaches the second floor, is more than just a vertical connection: it allows informal meetings and connects a series of mini centers located on the interior façade of the building.
These mini-hubs are equipped with skyboxes glass windows that give the animation of the atrium. The spiral staircase is a visual representation of Droogbak's transformation: a constructive addition that allows the social interaction. “Spatial, functional and technical modifications have transformed Droogbak into a contemporary office, while preserving its monumental values. The user experience is that of a comfortable, safe and inspiring work”, says Kobus van der Zwaal, consultant at ABT.
Neoclassical hall
The architecture and interior design project aimed to include all the architectural elements pre-existing but sifted through a filter of undoubted modernity. Thus, the classical columns and semicircular arches of the entrance were integrated into a modern, minimalist hall and in a color palette of three colors: white, black and gray. The magnificent staircase The interior was completely restored, bringing the wonderful cabinetry work back to life.
Ancient and modern elements
Following the same spirit of respectful renovation, the interior spaces maintain classic elements such as the moldings, but with avant-garde touches, such as the points of color in the long corridors, which visually shorten the length of the space.
Also interesting is the approach of the glazed enclosures to delimit each area, made with fine black galvanized metal profiles.
The renovation of the attics
The basement of the building, located in the quarter plant, were the old attics that today come to life with spaces multifunctional and open, where individual workstations, meeting tables and seating areas coexist.
The old beams They have been preserved, but have been reinforced with metal beams to support the structure. Especially interesting is the lighting, based on hanging luminaires made of steel wires, which leave the ceiling of the plant free.
organization of space
In general, the layout of the work environments is very free, since the elements are arranged in an apparently random manner. workstations, meeting areas, private rooms or common areas. Everything coexists in a single space distributed across the different floors. The interior design, elegant and sober, is committed to ocher colors and slow in these areas, with the presence of wood, glass and acoustic materials.
Basement Rehabilitation
With the renovation of the basement, dozens of useful meters were gained, which have been used to expand the common zones, create a library and different work areas. The transformation of all the plants is characterized by interventions thought out to the millimeter. Original elements have been preserved as far as possible, while the building's spatial and visual connections have been improved and expanded.
The interior design project
The interior design of Fokkema & Partners It simultaneously creates openness and intimacy in the spaces, and provides a playful interpretation of the building's historical characteristics. With pronounced touches of color, the period rooms, with their original details, are transformed into a modern work environment.
«The new interior of the Droogbak offers the user a strikingly contemporary experience; a experience that finds its origins in majestic architecture, but also offers new perspectives. The maximum effect has been achieved with a minimal impact in the monumental interior,” says Laura Atsma, partner at Fokkema & Partners.
