Amstellandlaan

The Netherlands has experienced a declining need in office space resulting in many existing office buildings being only partially let. The office building along the street Amstellandlaan in the town of Weesp, was one of them and was therefore transformed into 65 modern apartments.

The location, the orientation and the dimensions of the existing skeleton were well-suited for this new function. On top of the existing roof, penthouses with large roof terraces and panoramic views have been constructed. Two external corridors were added to the rear of the building, and realized within the existing facades so that the original concrete parapets of the rear facades could be maintained.

The changes in the front facades were more radical. Here the existing balustrade elements were replaced by deep niches containing large sliding doors and cantilevered balconies of various depths. The building has also been equipped with a new entrance hall of twice the regular height.

By painting existing and new brickwork white and applying dark grey concrete balconies and minimalistic glass balustrades, the new elements adapt naturally to the modern and industrial character of this 1970s building. A warm and homely atmosphere is created by applying wooden finishings to the entrance halls, the facade of the roof-top apartments and along the external corridors.