the question

Kroonenberg Groep and NEOO were looking for a local co-architect to support the American architectural firm Studio Gang with permitting procedures, site surveys, the construction team process, and the integrated technical design of the scheme.

Boltt was responsible for the technical design and, with it, for the high level of finish in the two residential buildings, including the striking facade of the 75-meter Quartz tower. This facade comprises 115 different concrete elements, 88 different vertical concrete fins, and 28 different twisted balustrades. The main challenge lay in designing a facade that was technically feasible, compliant with regulations, and true to its abstract form.

the approach

Using BIM, we were able to collaborate efficiently with all construction partners. The prefabricated concrete facade elements presented a complex technical puzzle. In consultation with the structural engineer, we developed a scaffold-free installation system that first made the facade weathertight and windproof, allowing work on the facade and the interior fit-out of the homes to proceed in parallel. The heavy facade elements could then be installed separately, safely, and without damaging the concrete surface.

During the later design phases, we worked closely with contractor J.P. van Eesteren to refine this approach. Our technical designers developed a practical construction method that helped maintain the pace of construction, enabling the client to begin leasing on schedule while preserving Studio Gang’s design intent.

In a building of this height, a substantial amount of technical infrastructure converges on the lower floors, precisely where a sense of openness is most desirable. For that reason, we devoted particular attention to the technical design of the MEP zones. By integrating them into designated areas, we were able to preserve the spatial quality of the double-height commercial spaces.

The result

To ensure early and active involvement on all sides, we organized a biweekly project board meeting with Kroonenberg Groep and NEOO. This allowed technical aspects with consequences for the appearance of the project, and potentially its long-term management, to be discussed at an early stage. It also made it possible to identify inconsistencies and design flaws early on, clarify the implications of proposed changes, and work together on appropriate solutions.

Close consultation with Studio Gang also took place from an early stage. The firm was struck by the high standard to which the detailing and finishes were developed and is very pleased with the result. In close collaboration with Studio Gang, Kroonenberg Groep, NEOO and J.P. van Eesteren, two residential buildings were realized to a consistently high standard.

client

Kroonenberg Group

year

2016–2022

services

BIM Management
BIM Implementation
Project Coordination

Image

Photography by Kees Hummel

collaboration

Homij, IMd Consulting Engineers, J.P. van Eesteren, Peutz, Rijnboutt, Techniplan Consultants

"Our joint brainstorming sessions helped shape the technical aspects that determine the design and, potentially, long-term management. It was an efficient and enjoyable process."
Neno Markovic, Partner at NEOO
"During the development phase, we worked together very closely and enjoyably. Boltt’s technical designers developed a construction method that preserved Studio Gang’s architectural design."
Edwin van Breugel, Project Manager at J.P. van Eesteren

Need a high-quality result?

We support your project with careful technical development and a well-organized process. Would you like to know more?

Call Jurriën at 06 – 14 85 35 74
Or feel free to email jurrien@boltt.nu

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the question

An Amsterdam canal bridge, at a height of ten meters and designed by Streetart Frankey, connects Adyen’s offices on Rokin. It is a technical masterpiece, and the permitting process, design, and construction were all carried out with great care and enthusiasm.

“We’d like to create a connection between our new office buildings on Rokin, because the offices are currently too far apart.” That was the request Adyen made to Boltt at the start of the project. Building a bridge between two buildings in the city centre is no easy task due to the urban planning principles governing the protected historic district. A wonderful challenge!

the approach

To begin with, we translated Adyen’s request into a spatial justification to be discussed with the City of Amsterdam. If a connection were to be built, what spatial conditions would it need to meet? This framework was discussed with the SIRK (Subcommittee on Integrated Spatial Quality), urban planners, and zoning plan specialists from the city. Once everyone at the city was on board with the plan, the next step was taken.

We advised Adyen to have the connection designed by an artist and to invite several artists to submit proposals. Amsterdam-based street artist Frankey presented the most compelling design. The environmental permit drawings were created by Boltt, and we advised Frankey on the presentations to the SIRK and the materialization of the design. We handled the further technical development, including the technical engineering for contractor Van Wijnen.

The bridge's facade is made of Acrylic One, with the facade panels formed using composite materials in 3D-printed moulds. The walkable glass floor spans from building to building. The lamppost, the balustrades, and the bolts are also 3D-printed.

Jaap Hoving

“We were delighted to bring Frankey’s design to life. It was a pleasant and creative process carried out in close collaboration with Frankey and Van Wijnen Heerhugowaard.”

Jaap Hoving, Senior Project Coordinator at Boltt

The result

The bridge, made up of 3D-printed components, is a valuable addition to the city of Amsterdam. Or, as Adyen’s original brief put it: “an icon for the coming decades, one that residents will truly love and that visitors will enjoy exploring.”

We are proud to have played a key role in bringing Frankey’s creative design to life. Adyen’s two offices on Rokin are now literally connected, paying homage to Amsterdam’s iconic canal bridge.

client

Adyen

year

2020–2023

services

BIM Design
Project Coordination

Image

Renders, Street Art by Frankey and Boltt

collaboration

Street art Frankey, 3D Next Level, Nedcam, StudioFriso, Van Wijnen Heerhugowaard, instead of Delft

"It was a real treat to work with Boltt to build something special"

Frankey
"Boltt made the impossible possible in this complex project. We are pleased with the excellent result."
Andrada Smaranda, Global Design Team Lead at Adyen

Want to make your design a reality?

We’re happy to work with you to develop a detailed plan for your project. Would you like to take the stress off your shoulders and hand over project coordination to us? No problem, we’ll take care of it.

Call Jurriën at 06 – 14 85 35 74
Or feel free to email jurrien@boltt.nu

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Boltt Rijnboutt Nike Store Rotterdam Kees Hummel

Lijnbaan Rotterdam

Lijnbaan Rotterdam

Boltt efficiently and quickly combined two retail spaces to create the largest Nike store in Europe.

Plesmanlaan, Leiden

Plesmanlaan, Leiden

With a fresh perspective and in a short amount of time, we improved the design’s structural integrity, creating a clear structure of higher quality.

North Vianen Sluiseiland

North Vianen Sluiseiland

Excellent teamwork, a sound BIM approach, and high-quality workmanship made the final phase of the Sluiseiland project a reality.

the question

In 2016, the Dutch Auschwitz Committee, in collaboration with the Polish-Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind, unveiled the design for the Dutch Holocaust Memorial. This national monument, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter, honours the more than 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust.

The Dutch Auschwitz Committee approached us to coordinate the design process, the permitting procedures, and the technical development of the monument. Design firm Rijnboutt was responsible for the urban integration and landscape design, while Studio Libeskind remained responsible for the aesthetic guidance.

the approach

Drawing on our knowledge of local construction practices and our background as designers, we assisted Studio Libeskind with the technical development and construction of this monument. The monument’s eventual completion was preceded by a complex process that spanned five years.

Every change or addition, from extra names to lamps and fences, and every minor obstacle along the way was immediately incorporated into the model.

By providing 3D models and detailed drawings, we were able to illustrate the implications for all external consultants involved. Since the focus had to remain entirely on the monument, all necessary but distracting technical elements had to be subtly concealed. Throughout the process, we worked closely with Studio Libeskind to find the best solution in every instance.

We were in weekly contact with Studio Libeskind to ensure that we stayed as close as possible to the essence of the design. Boltt wanted to know exactly which design aspects were important so that proposed changes that did not meet these criteria could be rejected by the project team right away, allowing us to quickly seek a better solution. The time difference between New York and Amsterdam worked in our favour; issues raised in the afternoon often received a response the very next day, Dutch time.

Margret van den Broek

“It was an honour to develop the technical details of Studio Libeskind’s stunning design. The monument’s detailing was executed with great care and attention, and I am incredibly proud to have contributed to it.”

Margret van den Broek, Senior Technical Designer at Boltt

The result

The National Holocaust Memorial has been completed, to the great satisfaction of all parties. The memorial appears deceptively simple. The four Hebrew characters seem to float above the brick walls engraved with names, but the massive letters, weighing a total of 150 tons, are supported by just 26 columns.

The monument has received much praise for its refined and high-quality craftsmanship, thanks in no small part to the contractor, Koninklijke Woudenberg. All attention is focused on the victims and their families. It has been an honour to work on this project!

client

Dutch Auschwitz Committee

year

2016–2021

services

BIM Design
Project Coordination

Image

Photography by Kees Hummel

collaboration

Studio Libeskind, Rijnboutt, BOUWERY, ABT, AIP Partners, Aumento B.V., IMd Consulting Engineers, Koninklijke Woudenberg, Vekemans Masonry Consulting, Reijnders Engraving and Laser Technology B.V., Rijnboutt, Swart Installation Technology

"Boltt helped by consistently scrutinizing the technical details. The fact that they place such a high priority on these qualities instilled confidence and ensured that the process went smoothly." 
Johan van Lierop, project architect at Studio Libeskind

Looking for technical precision?

Whether it involves large, bold letters or an elegant facade, we provide the technical design to support it. Would you like to know more?

Call Jurriën at 06 – 14 85 35 74
Or feel free to email jurrien@boltt.nu

More work we're proud of at

ILS Existing Buildings

ILS Existing Buildings

A smart system for sharing information in existing buildings.
Boltt Rijnboutt Nike Store Rotterdam Kees Hummel

Lijnbaan Rotterdam

Lijnbaan Rotterdam

Boltt efficiently and quickly combined two retail spaces to create the largest Nike store in Europe.

Plesmanlaan, Leiden

Plesmanlaan, Leiden

With a fresh perspective and in a short amount of time, we improved the design’s structural integrity, creating a clear structure of higher quality.

North Vianen Sluiseiland

North Vianen Sluiseiland

Excellent teamwork, a sound BIM approach, and high-quality workmanship made the final phase of the Sluiseiland project a reality.