De Walvis (Dutch for “the whale”), was built in the early 1960s and is the only office building left on Bickerseiland in Amsterdam. Due to its age, it no longer met modern building standards and underwent a full renovation. Following the designs of KAAN Architecten, an attractive workplace for technology and media companies was created.
| Type of Building | Office and administration |
| Product areas | Windows |
| Schüco Systems | FWS 60.HI |
| Features | Refurbishment BREEAM |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Completion | 2019 |
| Architects | KAAN Architecten |
| Specialist company | Aluverre Gevelbouw B.V |
| Picture credits | © Bart van Hoek |
The 10,400 m² building was completely gutted and fully renovated. As part of this, the lobby on the ground floor was set back, now appearing to detach the building from its footing. The stacked storeys are visually separated by horizontal bands which wrap around the building and project out beyond the original façade. Recessed glazing reinforces the effect of floating floors, as the windows seem to go from floor to ceiling in almost invisible vertical rebates.
De Walvis was a typical construction from the 1960s and demonstrates how office buildings that no longer meet the requirements of modern workplaces can be repurposed and improved. For only with extensive intervention into the fabric of the building – both outside and in – was it possible to upgrade the building to current technical standards and design it in line with the requirements of modern working environments.
By continuing to utilise the embedded grey energy of the old building, a renovation of the existing structure saved more resources and carbon compared to demolishing it and building from scratch. The result is an attractive, contemporary office building in a prime location, which stands prominently in Amsterdam's historic city centre. De Walvis is now a successful example of how office buildings can be renovated to increase their value and meet the needs of future users. You can find renovation solutions tailored to your requirements with Schüco Value Up.
The renovation work lasted a year and the first tenants were able to move into the building in May 2020. The large Schüco window systems installed, the view of the urban environment and the daylight streaming in give the building a new lightness. As a play on the maritime history of the region, portholes were installed in every other glass unit. Following the renovation, the building was awarded the BREEAM Excellent certificate.
