Mecanoo design dramatic, diamond-inspired Hilton at Amsterdam airport
by Kim Megson | 17 Dec 2015
Hilton Worldwide has opened it latest addition – the Mecanoo-designed Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – which features a dramatic facade comprising a cubic, moulded structure with a distinctive pattern and a vast glass-roofed atrium.
The hotel, designed by the Dutch architects, will certainly have a visual impact on passengers arriving and departing from the airport, with the 3,150sq m (33,900sq ft) complex having three main elements: a plinth, a rotated tower with 433 hotel rooms and a passageway connecting the hotel with the airport. A combination of glass with grey and white panels has created a distinctive diamond pattern designed to unite the three elements and make the building immediately recognisable.
At the heart of the project is the 42m (138ft) high atrium – sheltered by a huge glass roof – which features unique 'islands' serving as multi-functional spaces, including a reception area, lounge and bar and indoor gardens.
“We designed the atrium to have a strong identity,” said project architect Ellen van der Wal. “Its size and the light horizontal lines of the white balustrades that reflect daylight deep into the building provide an air of grandeur.”
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British interior design company The Gallery HBA have designed the hotel’s interiors, using timber slats, frames and cladding to create a natural feel. These are subtly contrast with contemporary furnishings and a selection of bespoke art pieces – including a series of headboards for the guestrooms representing the Dutch landscape – created by Spanish artist Israel Páez.
The hotel also features a selection of bars and restaurants – including the intimate 20-capacity Vine Room for special events – a Hilton eforea spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, a swimming pool, a ballroom and 1,700sq m (18,300sq ft) of meeting and event space.
Hilton Worldwide executive Simon Vincent said: “Last year more than 55 million passengers visited Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, so it gives us great pleasure to be able to provide upscale, design-conscious accommodation, spa and meeting facilities. The new hotel is a first choice for business and leisure travellers.”
The building – which is owned by Dutch developer Schiphol Real Estate – is situated adjacent to the site of the original Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which opened in 1972 but closed in November 2015. Hilton Worldwide now operates six hotels in Amsterdam.
At the heart of the project is the 42-metre high atrium, which is sheltered by a huge glass roof Credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
The Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has been designed to make a strong visual impoacy Credit: Mecanoo
The atrium features 'islands' serving as multi-functional spaces, including a reception area, lounge and bar and indoor gardens.
Credit: Mecanoo
The hotel opened on 17 December Credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
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Hilton Worldwide has opened it latest addition – the Mecanoo-designed Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – which features a dramatic facade comprising a cubic, moulded structure with a distinctive pattern and a vast glass-roofed atrium. The hotel, designed by the Dutch architects, will certainly have a visual impact on passengers arriving and departing from the airport, with the 3,150sq m (33,900sq ft) complex having three main elements: a plinth, a rotated
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