Hourglass

A new building for Hourglass in the Zuidas business district in Amsterdam is under development. The hourglass-shaped building stands 80 metres tall and has been designed by architects Dam & Partners. Hourglass is a mixed-use building project with offices and a hotel designed by SAX Vastgoed VOF; an initiative of Maarsen Groep and Zadelhoff. DWA is involved as sustainability consultant and is responsible for the design of the entire building services.

The building was bought by Bouwinvest, the office section by the Bouwinvest Dutch Institutional Office fund and the hotel by the Bouwinvest Dutch Institutional Hotel Fund. Its iconic architecture and light natural stone façade, inspired by the geometric artworks of Brancusi, make it a timeless building. The office section of Hourglass covers approximately 21,000 m². The Amsterdam branch of Loyens & Loeff will occupy the largest section of the building (approximately 15,500 m2).

Apartment hotel

Besides office space, the programme offers 700 m² of shopping and catering space, bicycle parking and 148 parking spaces. In addition, hotel apartments with a restaurant open to the public will be realised. The hotel, which will offer 115 apartments for extended stay, has been let to international operator PREM Group. The Premier Suites concept will create a living environment and provide long-stay hotel rooms.

Natural connection

Hourglass will form a logical addition to the Zuidas and forms a natural connection between the existing Zuidas and the Knowledge Quarter of the VU university and its medical centre, the VUmc. The shape of the building and the warm materials lend Hourglass a classic and international appeal. The multifunctional character of the building complements the existing and planned functions. The realisation of the extended stay hotel, which the Zuidas does not yet have, completes the total range of services in the Zuidas business district.

BREEAM-NL Excellent

Building and real estate developer Hurks is responsible for the realisation of Hourglass in cooperation with Klimaatservice Holland and Van den Pol Elektrotechniek for the building services. The offices will be completed by the end of 2019, with the hotel following by 2020. Hourglass will receive a BREEAM-NL Excellent certificate upon completion. In addition to architects Dam & Partners, the design team includes Zonneveld engineers, DWA, Peutz and Aronsohn management.

Artist impression: DAM & Partners Architects