De Walvis // Nominated for prize

In Amsterdam on Bickerseiland, De Walvis has been renovated by KAAN Architecten. De Walvis is an office building with a past. During the renovation, only the concrete supporting structures were left standing. The office building is aimed at tenants from the advertising, media and tech sector and this is reflected in the appearance of the building.

The floors that protrude a meter around the building create a solid-looking band, but are in fact light metal contractions. In addition, glass portholes have been placed in the windows in a tight rhythm. These round windows refer to the maritime past of this area in Amsterdam and to the pivot windows that De Walvis used to have.

The reception floor is spaciously covered with marble. This creates a spatial effect and makes the building seem to lift off the ground.

Kolen supplied and installed Marrone Carmello.