Iconic appearance
The new Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hotel is situated in a prominent location alongside the access roads to the international airport terminal. Because the hotel is twisted from the plinth by 45 degrees, one of the facades faces the Ceintuurbaan. This gives the hotel not only momentum, but also a visual connection with the office strip. The building is the final chord of the staccato rhythm of the WTC towers and a welcoming icon to both the Schiphol boulevard and the Ceintuurbaan.
The hotel, which features a cubic design and round edges, will differ subtly from its surroundings in both shape and facade. All surrounding buildings at the airport, mainly office buildings, have orthogonal organized facades. The diagonal pattern of the hotel serves to emphasize the iconic appearance of the building. The facade pattern strengthens the unity of the building’s volumes by masking the individual rooms and floors of the building. The facade also harmonizes the three volumes; the plinth, the guest room tower and Schiphol Traverse. The facade will be made out of prefabricated composite sandwich panels. In fact there are just three types of panels: straight, curved and strong curved.
With a smart infill they together create a random pattern façade, with a subtle shine and relief. By grouping the glass and the grey and white composite panels, a large scale diamond pattern is created, recognizable from a substantial distance.
Atrium
A large atrium with a 35-metre high glass roof forms the heart of the hotel and meeting area. Mecanoo established a design with a strong identity for the atrium. The light horizontal lines of the balustrades and white elements reflect daylight deep into the building, providing an air of grandeur. Wooden slats, frames and lining create refinement and a natural, luxurious appearance. The atrium also provides a role in the energy saving climate concept. Outside air is filtered before it is introduced into the atrium where the air is preconditioned for the rooms. This climate concept results in a reduction of energy consumption.
Dutch design interior
The interior design and hotel room concept evoke ‘a touch of contemporary, innovative and fresh Dutch Design’ with strong, original forms and a natural, harmonious colour scheme. Two interior design parties, Merkx+Girod from The Netherlands, Amsterdam, and Hirsch Bedner Assocciates from the UK, London provide the design of various areas in the building, within Mecanoo’s strong base design. The ground floor houses the main public functions: the main entrance, reception and a large all-day restaurant.
Meeting area
The 1st floor an 2nd floor comprises Hilton meeting centre, a business centre with 23 meetings rooms, boardrooms, and large ballroom surrounded by various break out areas. This area is directly connected by a covered walkway, the Traverse, to Schiphol Plaza. On the first floor, with a view into the lobby and to the surroundings, is also a health club provided, with sauna and wellness centre. Levels 2 through 11 include the hotels’ guest rooms. Level 9 through 11 form the executive area, with a centrally located large executive lounge on the 10th floor. The interior of the meeting centre, as well as the health club and guestrooms are designed by HBA.
Spa & fitness
With a concept drawn from Schiphol Airport’s location four metres below sea level, the spa is designed to create a transition to another dimension, one which evokes the sense of tranquillity and stillness found in the underwater world. Discretely understated finishes such as soft sheers, upholstered walls and natural oak floors are thoughtfully woven into the space to create a calming haven from the stresses of travel. A dark and sophisticated palette has been used in the circulation and pool areas, whilst the sleek treatment rooms combine clean & neutral nuances of white and light greys.
Sustainability
The new Hilton hotel will have a 10% lower energy use than the Dutch regulation EPC. This is achieved with a combination of energy efficient measures such as heat and cold storage, low temperature heating, high return installations, energy efficient verlichting, high isolation values and especially low ZTA values for the windows.
The Hilton Amsterdam Airport hotel now operates within the Green Key measures. For the new Hilton hotel it is the ambition to operate under Green Key Gold.
