Revitalisation and repositioning of an existing property.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, amidst Rembrandtplein, Amstelstraat, and Herengracht, the iconic building known as “The Bank” (Herengracht 595) stands as one of the city’s most celebrated architectural landmarks. Originally home to the ABN Amro Bank, it has been among Amsterdam’s most prestigious addresses for nearly a century. Today, thanks to its distinctive mix of office space, restaurants and cafés, and retail, the building stands out as a lively, multifunctional hub.
Reimagining an Icon – Working in the Future
The departure of a long-standing principal tenant opened the door to a comprehensive modernisation. Now, the asset management team at Deka Immobilien is repositioning “The Bank” as an ecologically revitalised, resilient, and future-oriented workplace. A contemporary working environment with a focus on comfort, connectivity, and sustainability was created during ongoing operations. The guiding principle of “Comfort & Connectivity” runs throughout the building, cultivating a welcoming, almost hotel-like atmosphere tailored precisely to the needs of innovative businesses and their dynamic teams.
Despite the challenges of the building’s protected heritage status, we have developed innovative, eco-friendly solutions. These include the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient LED lighting, modern smart building technologies, and thermal energy storage. Inside, we are transforming the original cellular structure into a modern working environment: transparent, open, and communicative – complete with co-working areas and a new work atmosphere. In this way, we’re creating places for interaction, collaboration, and exchange.
Thorsten KohlSenior Project Manager at Deka Immobilien
Measures at a glance
User-focused transformation: Conversion of the mezzanine into vibrant communal areas with café and lounge zones
Experience-driven design: Opening up atrium walls and creating a bel étage with a lounge, all-day bar, and meeting spaces
Transformation: Traditional office areas are transformed into multifunctional meeting and collaborative spaces
Sustainable upgrades: Installation of modern air-conditioned ceilings, LED lighting with motion sensors and daylight regulation, water-saving fixtures, and a green roof to help manage rainwater run-off
Optimised building technology: Preservation and modernisation of central components such as the geothermal heat pump, heating/cooling systems, and ventilation
Improvement: Refurbishment and improved efficiency of the existing geothermal wells
Enhanced social spaces: Refurbishment of lift lobbies in line with the overall design concept.
The result: Iconic heritage meets green standards
Comprehensive structural and technical modernisation to create a sustainable, flexible, and future-oriented office location.
Together with the design agency Tank, Deka Immobilien has shaped the building into a workspace and meeting place fit for the future, fulfilling modern user requirements as well as high standards for sustainability and resilience.
Today, the seven storeys of “The Bank” offer open, spacious office areas with a high degree of flexibility for individual tenant fit-outs. The offer is complemented by newly designed communal areas, two atriums, and high-quality furnishings that emphasise the unique character of the building.
Among other things, goals include
reaching the energy efficiency label A++,
saving approximately 30% CO₂ through reduced primary energy consumption,
and improving the BREEAM certification to “Excellent”.
