Ultra-luxury hotel leaves former Palace of Justice intact

Rosewood Hotel Amsterdam

In just over four years, the largest national monument on Amsterdam's canals has been converted into an ultra-luxurious Rosewood Hotel, with the grandeur of yesteryear. The former orphanage (1665) and later Palace of Justice (1825) is now a six-star hotel with 134 rooms, three restaurants, a bar, several meeting rooms, a ballroom, three inner gardens and a spa with swimming pool. Kentie Architecten made the design for the transformation, taking into account the history of the building, the architectural changes over the years and its function within the center of Amsterdam.

Kentie Architecten has many years of experience in the restoration of historic buildings and their transformation into luxury hotels. For example, the firm previously signed on to design the iconic American Hotel, Grand Hotel Amrâth (Scheepvaarthuis) and SOHO House in Amsterdam. "From this experience, we were also involved in the Rosewood Hotel," says Manon Becking, architect and partner at Kentie Architects. "In 2012 we made the sketch design for the transformation, which was followed by a long period of consultation with the client and the municipality's Monuments and Archaeology department. In 2015, we recorded and plotted the existing situation and guided the consultant on the building history reports. Moreover, around that time we started the preliminary design and final design, on the basis of which the stripping and demolition of the building could be started in 2020."

Almost 6,000 m2 of additional space

"We were particularly inspired by the building itself," Becking emphasizes. "The Rosewood Hotel is in a beautiful landmark building with very beautiful and distinctive spaces, which had become clogged up over time. For example, the courtyards were filled with outbuildings, which were removed in our design. We really went back to the essence of the building around 1825, when it was converted into the Palace of Justice. But also to the late 19th century, when the interior was extensively remodeled, to a design by architect W.C. Metzelaar. In the archives, we found clues to re-roof parts of the building. Combined with the cellars on two levels under the patios, nearly 6,000 square feet of additional space was added."

Atmosphere of yesteryear

This brings the total floor area of the Rosewood Hotel to over 20,000 square feet, Becking says. Yet there will be "only" 134 rooms in the hotel. "The remaining spaces are mainly general areas for events and meetings. In addition, the new basement will provide space for a large wellness center with indoor pool and for the hotel's service areas and kitchen, which combines modern amenities with the atmosphere of yesteryear. As an example, Becking cites the iconic facade, which was partially painted during the time of the Palace of Justice to prevent graffiti contamination. "In consultation with Monumentenzorg, the natural stone facade was cleaned and restored to the look and feel of the early 20th century. In addition, we replaced the doors in the vestibule with gateways, creating - in combination with various building historical and color historical restorations - an impressive transition space from outside to inside. The central entrance and lobby have been restored to their former glory and all monumental interior frames have been given a wood imitation. Last-but-not-least, the wide corridors in the building have been maintained and continued into the extension."

Attention to sustainability

Additional entrances were made on Prinsengracht for the restaurant, meeting rooms and wellness, so that the various streams of visitors remain neatly separated, Becking said. "Moreover, much attention has been paid to sustainability. For example, WKO sources have been installed and the building has been insulated wherever possible and completely fitted with insulating vacuum glass. The air handling units are concealed invisibly in the hoods of the building." The interior design was created by Piet Boon and Sagrada, with Kentie Architects having primarily a coordinating role. 

A few weeks after the opening, Becking looks back on a beautiful, extensive and challenging project, which involved very pleasant cooperation with all parties. "With the official opening on May 1, we have added another great reference to our impressive list."