Royal Ahrend government project interior view of De Nederlansche Bank in Amsterdam OvD1450

De Nederlandsche Bank

After a five-year renovation, the office of De Nederlandsche Bank (Dutch Central Bank - DNB) on Frederiksplein in Amsterdam is ready for the future. Sustainable and open to everyone. Architectural firm Mecanoo made the design for the renovation of the 67,000 square meter building. And did so with respect for the original design by architect Marius Duintjer.
Ahrend provided the furniture for the almost 2,500 employees of DNB and the visitors who walk in every day. A large part of the sofa's existing workplace furniture has been refurbished on site, so that it can last for years to come. 'Sustainability is our social duty. So everything that is good is reused.'

Open to all

The DNB building was technically exhausted and no longer met the sustainability requirements. It was functionally outdated and the security of employees, money and gold could not be guaranteed in the heart of Amsterdam in the long run. That is why DNB opted for renovation. And moved the gold and money to the Cash Center in Zeist. This freed up the ground floor and the basement as a meeting place and knowledge platform for visitors. In this public part of 4,800 square meters – The New Treasury – the doors are open to everyone.

Royal Ahrend government project interior view of De Nederlansche Bank in Amsterdam OvD1013

Royal Ahrend government project interior view of De Nederlansche Bank in Amsterdam OvD2307

Durability and quality

In line with DNB's open philosophy, Mecanoo developed a workplace concept with a focus on collaboration, social cohesion and well-being. This is reflected in the WELL Platinum certification, lots of greenery and the diversity of spaces. Ahrend was commissioned to supply the furniture to match the functionality of each room. The requirements were that the furniture had to be made of beautiful and sustainable material, preferably circular. Truus Bouma, project manager DNB: 'Ahrend always gave us new ideas with their advice and showed how beautifully sustainability and quality come together.'

‘Everyone is enthusiastic about the furniture, the colors and the comfort – it is a privilege to work here’

Maaike van Leuken DNB's Operations Division Director

Refurbished furniture

DNB sees sustainable investments as a social duty. All sustainability interventions and the relocation of the gold and money resulted in 80% less energy consumption and CO2 emissions than before the renovation. Hans Cuvelier, account manager at Ahrend: 'One of DNB's golden rules during the renovation was: 'everything that is good is reused.' We also applied this to the furniture. For example, we refurbished a large part of the bank's existing workplace furniture – 1,108 office chairs and 831 desks – on site. And we supplemented that with 245 used sit-stand desks from Ahrend's Circular Hub.'

Concept lived through

Ahrend experienced the collaboration with Mecanoo and DNB's housing team as a collegial partnership. Hans: 'We didn't feel like we were a supplier, but an extension of the housing team. Together we achieved a team result.' Maaike van Leuken, Division Director Operations DNB, adds: 'The Ahrend project team lived through our concept. They have literally and figuratively become part of our map. And with the furniture, we matched the open and accessible setting we had in mind. During the implementation, they also looked critically at whether it could be even better and better.'

Royal Ahrend government project interior view of De Nederlansche Bank in Amsterdam OvD0431

Royal Ahrend government project interior view of De Nederlansche Bank in Amsterdam OvD1113

DNB on Ahrend

'We had to meet the deadline for the renovation of the renovated office. This meant that construction was still going on during the interior. But it worked! Ahrend played an important role in this. They were always flexible. Setting up on a construction site – that was really a feat! The fact that they remained customer-oriented under those circumstances and achieved such a great result as part of the team deserves a big compliment! Everyone is enthusiastic about the furniture. It makes people feel welcome. This is due to the color scheme and certainly to the inclusive comfort. Disabled people can easily get up from the chairs. And the placement of the furniture ensures equality between interlocutors. People feel seen and appreciated and like to come here. Those who work from home even suffer from homesickness for the office.'

Maaike van Leuken, Division Director Operations DNB

Photography: Ossip van Duivenbode