The renovation has been executed by architectural firm Mecanoo with respect to the original design of the architect Marius Duintjer from 1968. Their approach – Forward to Basics – is all about returning to the authentic quality of the building, while preparing it for the future. 

As a manufacturer of glass partitions, this project has been an extraordinary challenge. The wish for maximum transparency had to be combined with strict requirements regarding fire safety, acoustics and fall through safety. Being involved in the design process from the beginning made it possible to help brainstorm about the solutions that meet all the requirements. 

Surrounding De Nieuwe Schatkamer complex fire safety partitions have been installed that combine multiple functions. Various requirements were being met: besides fire safety, fall through safe, acoustic and even thermal isolation. These partitions separate multiple disciplines such as entrance, auditorium and De Nieuwe Schatkamer, while providing maximum transparency.

In the office building, we provided both single and double glazed partitions, complemented with closed partitions using steel, veneer and felt. The partitions are fully demountable and flexible, suiting the activities in the office area perfectly, just as DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) imagined. When a department expands, shrinks or changes its function, the layout of the office area can be easily changed without drastic renovations.