The renovation of the former “de Architekten Cie. building on the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam has been completed after more than 2.5 years. In all respects a very challenging project in which the intensive cooperation between owner, architect and contractor has paid off.

The ambition for the completed renovation was to make this national monument sustainable, gas-free and comfortable, while making the history and spatial structure recognizable and readable. In addition, the spatial quality of this formerly closed stronghold was improved.

An important first intervention was moving the elevator to the head of the stairwell so that the vertical transport routes are linked. This created the possibility to set up the air treatment system in the relatively high basement of number 128 and to transform the old elevator shaft into an installation shaft.

System ceilings were removed to reveal the concrete and wood floor structures above. Through a carefully matched installation plan, ductwork, induction units, gutters, lighting and sprinkler were integrated into an overall design.

Acoustics were solved using specially made acoustic panels in a zig-zag shape to maximize absorption surface area. In the “period rooms,” a hidden solution was chosen for the installations in the walls and ceilings to support the classic character of these spaces.