Fort Cortina

150, Tt. Vasumweg, Amsterdam-Noord, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Fort Cortina

150, Tt. Vasumweg, Amsterdam-Noord, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Firm

Karelse & den Besten

Type

Commercial › Office

YEAR

2008

SIZE

100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

As a graphic
design agency we already had a long cooperation with Cortina, a wholesale in
gift items, before they asked us to design their new headquarters. It was our
first architectural assignment.
Fort Cortina
is built on the premises of the NDSM-wharf, a former shipyard located on the
banks of the river IJ in Amsterdam. In this harsh environment we designed an
office and warehouse building that looks like a Morrocan fort. A monolithic
structure, rough on the outside with metallized brick walls and smooth on the
inside patios that are lined with cedar wood.
The dynamic
lay-out of the facades is a reflection of the different rooms that vary in
height and size. A result of our intention to make an exciting interior with
small and big views over the river. Rooms to hide and rooms to expose.
A commercial
building that almost fits like a home. The patios at the hearth of the building
are inspired on a monastery tour. A space for reflection and a way to give
light to the interior and to create outdoor recreation areas with footpaths on
the roof, which is planted with sedum for an optimal indoor climate control.