The White Emperor

OUTLINE
Amsterdam's former city centre library was a remarkable classic example of architecture of its period, but had become unsuited to its original purpose. Its imposing white facade, beautifully ornamented and 23 meters long, its huge central staircase and majestic marble halls gave the building an air that was memorable and demanded preservation. Converting this building, with its vast internal ceiling heights and institutional internal proportions, into residential property whilst generating sufficient value was a challenge.

The grandeur and monumental values the communal areas where retained and restored, and a additional floor was created. The Lodge in the garden was renovated and converted into a charming children's crèche, whilst "Villa Gaudy", the former staff lodgings, was transformed into lofts, with their own access to the Prinsengracht by means of a secretive, diminutive alleyway.

CONSTRAINTS
The monumental proportions, institutional architectural design of the building, with its huge ceiling heights and communal areas, combined with the requirement to offer a product to a market that was receptive to exclusive and luxury. This meant bringing to the forefront the features of the large entrance areas and height ceiling by creating apartments with mezzanines with interior designs that reflected the proportions of the overall building.

CONCEPT / VISION
Restoring all monumental features of the building at all cost, retaining the large common entrance halls and staircase, were a prerequisite. This "un-economic" approach would reflect in the quality or the apartments offered. This no compromise approach was appreciated by the market, as, on the first open day of sales, where an art gallery style "red sticker" system was used, 75% of the apartments were sold in a few hours.

The "White Emperor" as featured in several publications and now a reference in Amsterdam for the conversion of former institutional building into luxury residential property.