Custom indoor climate system for Dutch Design Hotel Vondelpark

From Mondrian to Dudok: the new Dutch Design Hotel Vondelpark is completely decorated according to the Dutch Design style. Aeon Plaza Hotels' new and third Amsterdam hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time last summer. The stylish building on the edge of the Vondelpark offers space for 42 compact hotel rooms in the three-star segment, equipped with a Dutch Design touch. Each floor has its own style, designed in collaboration with Jesper Krijgsman and Studio ID Design, among others. In addition, guests benefit from a high level of comfort. From plumbing to heating and cooling. Underneath the new installations is the signature of BLR-Bimon.

The assignment in Amsterdam came about through a relationship, explains Allard van der Lit, project manager at BLR-Bimon. "The existing climate installations in the building had reached the end of their technical lifespan. Malfunctions and leaks were the order of the day, and some of the systems were even not functioning at all. Because Aeon Plaza Hotels wanted to open the new Dutch Design Hotel Vondelpark as soon as possible, we were asked to come up with a sustainable replacement proposal within just two weeks." This turned out to be easier said than done. "As a result of new European regulations around ventilation and noise, for example, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) delivery systems up to 40% have become larger in size. One-to-one replacement of the distribution boxes and duct units was therefore not possible."

Fitting and measuring

Creative solutions were desired, but the BLR-Bimon specialists did not turn their hand to that, emphasizes Van der Lit. "Together with our planning team, I visited the hotel several times to get an insight into the existing situation. But also to brainstorm together with the contractor and project manager on how we could best incorporate the new installation. In just four months, we removed the existing cooling and heating installation and replaced it with a VRF air-to-air heat pump system with three 33 kW outdoor units in the garden. Soon another beautiful enclosure will be built around this, stylishly hiding the units from view." A total of three distribution boxes have been installed on the floors, allowing simultaneous cooling and heating. "Initially, these distribution boxes were to be installed in the work cabinets like the old systems. However, there was insufficient space for this. We finally found a solution above the suspended ceilings, where a slot was milled into the wall to connect the distribution boxes. In the rooms, the old duct units and coves were removed to make room for new and larger coves, plenums and diffusers."

Finishing touch

Following the climate systems, BLR-Bimon was also awarded the plumbing in the bathrooms. Where possible, the existing piping was retained, Van der Lit says, "However, all leaking parts such as couplings and valves were replaced, after which new plumbing was installed. From sinks to toilets and showers, with which we gave the hotel rooms a beautiful finishing touch." Finally, BLR-Bimon also connected the boilers and new drains in the hotel kitchen.

Specialist in climate control

Optimal comfort for tomorrow, today in your building. BLR-Bimon is the specialist in climate control. "Our heat pump, air conditioning and ventilation systems ensure a pleasant temperature, purify the air, reduce CO₂ and make pathogens disappear," Van der Lit said. "In doing so, customers are completely unburdened: from advice and design to installation and management."