Renovating the iconic bank from the 60’s brings unique challenges. How to transform a closed building with heavy vault doors to a transparent meeting place for everyone? And how to remain the authentic architecture while simultaneously meeting the modern day requirements regarding sustainability, fire safety and acoustics? Nico Kremers, Sales Manager at QbiQ Wall Systems will describe the impressive transformation of the head office of De Nederlandse Bank in Amsterdam. 

From gold reserve to meeting area

The head office of De Nederlandsche Bank located at the Frederiksplein used to be a closed off building for a long time. High fences, heavy security and an immense vault where all the gold used to be reserved. Not exactly a welcoming meeting area. Thankfully, these times have changed. Nowadays, the gold is stored in both Zeist (NL) and Canada and the building has transformed significantly.

Through the large windows on the ground floor, you can instantly see the activities inside the building. Even the auditorium with its blue chairs, a hint to the old 10 guilder bills, are visible. The most special aspect is the transformation of the vault, which is now called ‘De Nieuwe Schatkamer’, it is now a public meeting area, used for exhibitions and lectures. 

Forward to Basics: back to Duintjer

The renovation has been executed by architectural firm Mecanoo with respect to the original design of the architect Marius Duintjer from 1968. Their approach – Forward to Basics – is all about returning to the authentic quality of the building, while preparing it for the future. 

The tower created by Duintjer, called de ‘Satelliet’, has been removed and therefore the view between the Utrechtsestraat en De Pijp has been restored. The authentic brick façade has been restored carefully, while new modern glass facades on the ground floor provide transparency. The main entrance has been relocated to the side of the vault, a daring choice making it possible to transform the Frederiksplein on the front which is now called Frederikspark. 

The challenge for QbiQ: transparency and functionality

As a manufacturer of glass partitions, this project has been an extraordinary challenge. The wish for maximum transparency had to be combined with strict requirements regarding fire safety, acoustics and fall through safety. Being involved in the design process from the beginning made it possible to help brainstorm about the solutions that meet all the requirements. 

Surrounding De Nieuwe Schatkamer complex fire safety partitions have been installed that combine multiple functions. Various requirements were being met: besides fire safety, fall through safe, acoustic and even thermal isolation. These partitions separate multiple disciplines such as entrance, auditorium and De Nieuwe Schatkamer, while providing maximum transparency.

In the office building, we provided both single and double glazed partitions, complemented with closed partitions using steel, veneer and felt. The partitions are fully demountable and flexible, suiting the activities in the office area perfectly, just as DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) imagined. When a department expands, shrinks or changes its function, the layout of the office area can be easily changed without drastic renovations.

Sustainability as a common thread

The matter that speaks to me the most is the comprehensive approach of sustainability. In most renovation projects, sustainability is usually translated to energy efficiency. In this case, it goes beyond that.

By leaving the already existing frame of the building – also called ‘the bones of the building’ by Mecanoo – as much intact as possible and complementing this with demountable, flexible elements, results in a building that is able to adapt to ever changing needs and requirements. The energy efficiency is impressive: the use of energy and CO2 emissions are 80% lower than before the renovation. 

Moreover, the integration of green is an important factor. Green roofs, a vegetable and herb garden for internal use and a public garden all contribute to biodiversity and a pleasant work environment. The parking beneath the building has made place for a bright corporate restaurant on the sunny side of the building at the Singelgracht. From a pier, passing boats can be viewed – yet another connection with the city. 

From standard to customized 

In this project, we went beyond the standard solutions. From high glass partitions in the auditorium to the smallest windows in the previous vault: everything is carefully designed and executed. Even in the parking area, fall through and fire safe partitions have been placed – a practical solution providing safety without making concessions on the design. 

The results didn’t remain unnoticed. The DNB-project has been nominated for the Amsterdam Architecture Awards 2025. As partner of this prestigious award, we are proud that ‘our’ project has been nominated. Recently, De Nederlandsche Bank has won the NRP Gulden Feniks 2025, a big compliment for the successful renovation of this heritage project.

A new standard for renovation

The transformation of De Nederlandsche Bank showcases that with preserving the authentic structure yet a radical change can be made. From a closed off building to a transparent meeting space. A location where gold used to be guarded to a public educative area for everyone. From high energy use to a sustainable building with minimal environmental burden. 

This project proves that renovation is not just about preserving what already exists, but about improving it. It provides a new standard for how existing buildings could be transformed and reused – essential in modern day where the importance of sustainability grows. 

Bring your renovation project to the next level

Do you have a renovation or transformation project where transparency, flexibility and sustainability meet? Discover how our partitions are able to improve your project. Contact our team of experts and explore the possibilities.