© 2022 Stevens Van Dijck
Design: Flinder | Web development: Kroes Media
Assignments are accepted and performed in accordance with the general terms and conditions of The New Arrangement 2011 revised version 2013.
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After nearly five years of renovation, the headquarters of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) at Frederiksplein in Amsterdam was reopened on January 6, 2025. The renewed building is now future-proof, with the ground floor and patio accessible to everyone.
Originally designed by architect Marius Duintjer and first opened in 1968, the building no longer met modern technical and sustainability standards, making a comprehensive renovation necessary.
DNB placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and circularity. By opting for renovation instead of new construction, approximately 70,000 tons of building materials were saved, reducing the environmental impact by 50% compared to a complete rebuild. The building has been renovated to the highest sustainability standard, BREEAM Outstanding, and is now climate-friendly in both construction and operation. Energy consumption and CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 80%.
During the renovation, DNB employees were housed in a rented building near Amstel Station. A refurbishment plan was developed to make this temporary location suitable for DNB’s use.
Stevens Van Dijck, in collaboration with LSA, was responsible for construction project management. Additionally, Stevens Van Dijck coordinated the user facilities.
An important goal of the renovation was to increase the openness and accessibility of the building for the public. With the relocation of the gold reserves and the banknote operations to the new DNB Cash Center in Zeist, the ground floor was made available for visitors. Even the former gold vault is now open to the public, making the office more transparent and accessible.
The architectural design was created by the architectural firm Mecanoo, led by Francine Houben. Mecanoo combined Duintjer’s original design with modern elements. For example, the ground floor now features a fully glazed facade, enhancing transparency and interaction with the surroundings. The double height of the former Kashal has been restored, and the distinctive brown tiles of the original facade have been preserved.
A striking aspect of the renovation was the removal of the round tower, ‘The Satellite.’ This addition from 1991 was carefully dismantled with the aim of giving its components a new life in Amsterdam. The reused concrete was utilized for a new quay and social housing, ensuring that the renovation also contributed to other projects in the city.
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© 2022 Stevens Van Dijck
Design: Flinder | Web development: Kroes Media
Assignments are accepted and performed in accordance with the general terms and conditions of The New Arrangement 2011 revised version 2013.
