W Hotel 'Bank' Building
The transformation of the former Kas bank shows a unique metamorphosis of an introvert bank building, a national monument situated at the Spuistraat in Amsterdam, into an outgoing five-star W Hotel with public programs. The upper floors houses 66 guestrooms and suites for the W Hotel. On the ground and first floors public programs such as Away Spa, bar and the restaurant The Duchess are realized. Along the Spuistraat the building includes the XBank; a ‘creative incubator’ for Dutch talents to showcase their fashion, art and design work.
The restoration and transformation for the former Kas Bank building will rejuvenate this national monument converting it into a five-star W hotel. The building, originally designed by F.W.M. Poggenbeek in 1908 was expended in phases until 1932. The building follows the classical typology of bank buildings with vaults on the ground floor and basement, a monumental bank hall on the first floor and offices above. The building is one of the first concrete constructions in the Netherlands and is finished with a sandstone facade.
The new design respects the building monumental character, enhances it and transforms it into a public building. The ‘Bank’ building will house a spa, a destination bar and luxurious restaurant. Along the Spuistraat it includes a ‘creative incubator’ for Dutch talent to showcase their fashion, art and design work. The upper floors house 66 guestrooms and suites as extension of the W hotel opposite located in the former Government Office for Transactions and Telephony.
The historical elements of the building, such as the façade, the vaults, the public hall and the staircases are carefully restored. The added components are distinguished by contemporary materials and restrained detailing, making them reconizable but harmonizing with the existing building.
