Refurbishment: Sustainability as a Guiding Principle.
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas CBD, The Rock demonstrates how responsible asset management can reposition an existing property. The 90-metre landmark has been technically, energetically, and conceptually reimagined by Deka Immobilien as part of a comprehensive refurbishment.
The central challenge was clear: how can a striking yet ageing architectural icon be adapted to meet the ESG requirements of a modern workplace – without losing its identity?
Reimagining a Landmark
Since its completion, the building has shaped the skyline of the Central Business District with its expressive façade of glass, stone and aluminium. Its dynamic lines and playful, ‘twisted’ structure have made it an architectural icon.
The refurbishment was guided by a clear guiding principle: while the building’s shape has remained unchanged, its use, atmosphere, and efficiency have been completely rethought.
Previously designed for a single occupier, the interior layouts and fixtures have been stripped back, opening up the spatial structure for a multi-tenant solution.
Measures at a glance
New Concepts for Interaction
A spacious lobby with a lounge and an all-day bar has been created on the ground floor and mezzanine. Above, on the first two floors, co-working zones and flexible working and meeting areas have been created, which will soon be occupied by new tenant Frame Offices B.V. Floors 9 to 22 are being upgraded with new climate ceilings, LED lighting, and modernised lift lobbies, and plumbing, and will be handed over to tenants for their final fit-out.
A spiral staircase provides direct access from the ground floor to the mezzanine. Here, tenants meet each other – to connect, inspire one another, work, and unwind.
The open lobby, with its 7.2-metre ceiling, is bathed in warm light and features natural stone tiles and oak accents.
Throughout the day, a barista-run coffee bar serves delicious drinks, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Efficiency through Technical Intelligence
Rather than completely replacing existing systems, Deka Immobilien opts for optimisation and integration. The central geothermal heat pump, and the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems will remain in place but have been technically updated, recalibrated, and brought up to contemporary standards. Modern control technology and provisional connections for photovoltaic modules ensure operations are more efficient in terms of energy and digitalisation.
The result is an exemplary model of sustainable portfolio development in which ecological, economic, and social objectives are seamlessly combined. With smart technology, sustainable materials, and new flexibility for a diverse range of occupiers, this project sets the benchmark for what modern construction can look like.
Thorsten KohlSenior Project Manager at Deka Immobilien
Circular Construction in Practice
A core element of the project is the respectful use of existing materials. Natural stone floors have been refurbished, with missing sections replaced by matching terrazzo. The new reception counters and the sinks have been fabricated using recycled door panels.
A particularly impressive demonstration of the principle of the circular economy approach is the upcycling project “From Doorhandle to Lighting”.
Lamps fashioned from the former tenant’s furniture handles now illuminate the lobby and shared areas. This design detail perfectly encapsulates the project’s ethos – balancing material value, design quality, and sustainability.
„From Doorhandle to Lighting“
Das Ergebnis:
Deka Immobilien has transformed The Rock into a contemporary, future-proof multi-tenant property, successfully repositioning it in the market. Alongside ecological and technological advancements, the newly created social dimensions characterise the refurbishment.
Today, The Rock is 99.5% let. Even during the ongoing modernisation, numerous new lease agreements were signed with renowned Dutch companies – including Versuni Netherlands, a leading provider of innovative household and lifestyle products, and Frame Offices B.V, specialists in full-service office solutions.
In terms of sustainability, the project is aiming for an A++ energy efficiency rating and an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM In-Use certification. In addition, the comprehensive replacement of lighting with LED systems and the installation of new climate-controlled ceilings will result in energy savings of around 30% overall.
