VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam

Van der Steenhoven Lawyers is housed in two old canal houses on Amsterdam's Herengracht. Both the organization of the law firm and the structure of the houses was in need of a clear division in the space. Following consultation with the lawyers a design was chosen with the concept of repetition in the office spaces and a choice of materials that would highlight the different functions of the space. All the offices - from partners to secretaries - are organised so each floor has the same layout. A clear organisation in contrast to the building itself. In the spaces used to receive clients rough materials are used. Rolled steel in the hallways, unsanded parquet flooring in the partners' offices and sanded cellular concrete bricks for the dividing walls. The offices of the lawyers and secretaries, private spaces, have soft flooring. Simple furniture was selected, particularly in the decorated spaces. The maze of rooms and staircases has been transformed into a recognisable structure.


Architect: Liesbeth van der Pol / Jon Dekker
Team: J.A. van Gemert, R. Doggen, A. Holterman, M. Hardonk, C. Noteboom, E. Wolse
Number: 0218
Status: Built
Year: 2002 - 2005
Client: Van der Steenhoven advocaten, Amsterdam

Please download the project PDF for more info about this project.

VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  sanded cellular concrete bricks for the dividing walls
Renewal
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Combining the old and the new
Steel
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Contrast in ornament and simplicity
Liesbeth van der Pol Liesbeth van der Pol
Architect / Partner
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Codes
Re-use
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  decorated meeting room
Amsterdam
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Old canal house, Herengracht Amsterdam
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VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Honest materials
Glass
VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Sharp design and structure

The maze of rooms and staircases has been transformed into a recognisable structure.

VDS Lawyers, Amsterdam  –  Primary colors, linear and elegant furniture
Sustainable