Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel by Office Winhov

The former gloomy laboratory and museum building in Amsterdam is being transformed into the elegant five-star Pillows Maurits at the Park hotel. The project involves carefully converting the existing building and constructing a new building that blends harmoniously into the overall ensemble and integrates more closely with the adjacent Oosterpark. The project exemplifies Office Winhov's skilful and sensitive approach to historic buildings. The spatial design creates a place that mediates between public and private spheres, inviting national and international guests alike.

Interior with glazed brick walls and vaulted ceiling, © Stefan Müller

The building, which was constructed in 1908 based on designs by the architect Jan Bernard Springer, has now been opened up. The entrance still bears the inscription detailing its original use. With its brick facade, the building appears austere and imposing from the street. The park was the central source of inspiration throughout the design process. Today, the park extends right up to the building, whose three wings open onto it. Each wing has its own relationship with the green surroundings; for instance, there is a brasserie in the newly built extension, and a sweeping view from the former dissection room, which now houses a restaurant. A new building is being constructed in front of the west wing to complement the ensemble and expand the hotel's room capacity. The formal language of brick expressionism reflects the character of the period in which the building was constructed, without imitating its style.  

Restaurant with exposed structural elements, © Stefan Müller

The original museum building has been converted into a restaurant and enhanced with large, monumental windows. In the central part of the building, hotel guests have access to a roof terrace with a view over the treetops. The fences in the outdoor area on the ground floor have been removed to open up the property to the park. Lighting and natural plant barriers provide a feeling of security. The level of the hotel grounds has been lowered to match that of the park, allowing more light into the basement. Underground, some alterations have been made: in addition to a guest car park, there are also offices and a canteen for 180 employees. 

The top floor is set back slightly, forming a modern crown with a wave-shaped facade. © Stefan Müller

Several features establish this connection: the extension has the same ridge and eaves height as the original building, and the windows reflect the historic structure's proportions. The top floor is set back slightly and forms a modern crown, the wave-shaped facade of which subtly recalls Art Deco motifs. Highlights of the original interior include the glazed brick walls in the corridors, the spacious former museum hall and its open structural elements. These distinctive features have been preserved, defining the building's atmosphere.