Extensive range of glass systems for underground bicycle parking facility De Entree in Amsterdam

Curved glass, hefty pane dimensions and unusual glass art make new bike parking spectacular

With the festive opening of De Entree, the radical renovation and improvement of one of the busiest and best-known places in our country is almost complete. In approximately five years, the area on the center side of Amsterdam Central Station has been made clearer and more attractive. The water has been widened, all streetcar tracks and stops have been renewed, the road has been made car-free and new quays and jetties for canal boats have been built. In addition, an underground bicycle storage facility for 7,000 bicycles has been built under the water between Prins Hendrikkade and Stationsplein. The bicycle storage is more than nine meters below ground level and is accessible via an impressive entrance with three moving walkways. A high glass wall on the inside of this entrance allows daylight to flow far inside. Underneath the impressive glass wall, the (curved) glass facades, the automatic doors and the glass art in the underground bicycle storage is the signature of Interior Glassolutions B.V.

In De Entree, Interior Glassolutions B.V.'s broad portfolio and craftsmanship come into their own to the maximum extent. The Veenendaal-based specialist in glass systems for interior applications was involved in the realization of the underground bicycle parking facility at an early stage because of its expertise in similar infrastructure projects. "For example, our glass systems can be found in the elevators, escalators and walkways of the Noord/Zuidlijn," explains Geurt Roelofsen, director of Interior Glassolutions B.V. "In addition, we were commissioned by contractor Max Bögl to realize the glass systems for the Cuyperstrap, which creates a covered connection between the monumental Cuypershal of Amsterdam-Centraal and the distribution hall of the metro station." For the underground bicycle parking facility of De Entree, Interior Glassolutions B.V. was initially asked by Max Bögl to test the technical and financial feasibility and manufacturability of the design. "In a construction team with the contractor and architect wUrck architects, we took care of the technical elaboration of the design. In doing so, we not only had an eye for aesthetic quality, but also for safety and transparency. Because this project was carried out under a UAV-GC agreement, there was plenty of room for our knowledge, expertise and innovative solutions."

Safe escape route

Various smoke-resistant glass systems from Interior Glassolutions B.V. have been applied in the underground bicycle parking, which comply with the latest European Sa and S200 classifications. As an example, Roelofsen mentions the glass systems at the main entrance and the entrance on the side of the North/South Line, where a temporary barrier is created in case of fire and smoke development. "This allows visitors to escape safely at all times." The smoke-resistant glass systems were applied in both straight and curved forms. "In addition, curved glass has been used in the draft locks, at various locations in the inner shell and at the administrator's area and bike store."

Spectacular view

The curved glass makes the underground bicycle parking spectacular. "To realize the correct radii of the glass and accompanying steel frames, however, was quite a challenge," Roelofsen said. "For example, because of the impressive window dimensions (up to 4.5 meters high) and flush finish, where the glass continues over the steel and appears to form one large whole. The tallest facade realized in this way is no less than 7.5 meters high." 

Extraordinary glass art

Also special is the glass art in this project. "In the ceiling, impressive oculuses have been created, into which art from the Amsterdam Museum has been inserted," Roelofsen said. "And also the walls are enriched in several places with large panes of glass, depicting the history of the city." In order not to obstruct the view of the images, extra clear glass has been applied, he says. "Some parts are even fitted with anti-reflective glass, which makes it look as if the art is hanging freely on the walls." The art was applied to the panes with a special film and then attached to the walls with screws, making it easy to change prints in the future.

Excellent choice

According to Roelofsen, glass systems are an excellent choice for public spaces such as this bicycle parking lot because people are naturally careful(er) about them. "That makes the systems very vandal resistant. Where, for example, wood invites scratching and plastic is regularly damaged by lighters, people think twice before manipulating a large window." The final glass systems were installed in January. Right now, Interior Glassolutions B.V. is putting the final touches on the 'i' with the installation of the stainless steel skirting boards.