The former production hall in the Kauwgomballenkwartier in Amsterdam has been transformed into a modern office building for creative entrepreneurs. A transparent volume with a contemporary and industrial character has been build on the existing brick building. The combination of the different volumes creates an inviting and harmonious appearance that fits the present, past and future of the Kauwgomballenkwartier.
Since the start of the transformation of the Kauwgomballenfabriek in 2008, the surrounding business park has been transformed into a vibrant working environment with a wide variety of creative companies. The Kauwgomballenkwartier consists of diverse building styles from various decades with an industrial character that correspond with the past. To continue the development of the area, the former production hall has been transformed into an inspiring working environment with a characteristic identity. The building facilitates a variety of office options due to its flexible layout and offers work spaces for both small and large creative entrepreneurs.
The structure of the former production halls has been partly preserved and is part of the new office building. The original stone buildings are combined with a transparent volume of five floors. The facades of the office building are characterized by the triangular structure that is based on the original roofs and complies with the style characteristics of the original structure and the cultural-historical value of the building. The addition of materials such as steel, glass, and wood give the building a new dynamic that fits within the ensemble of the Kauwgomballenkwartier. The result is an inspiring and bright workplace for creatives where present, past and future come together.
The office building consists of two parts that are connected by a clear, light core in which the staircase is located. The central staircase is completely covered in wood and brings users from the different parts together. The use of natural materials makes the office building a pleasant and user-friendly workplace. The various outdoor areas of the building are equipped with different types of green, such as a Pocket Park entrance, indoor green patios, balconies with planters, vertical greenery on the facades, and a partial moss sedum roof.
Team:
Architect: NEXT architects
Photography: Paul Starink
