Earlier this year, we completed a large and prestigious project in Amsterdam, producing, delivering, and installing various pieces of custom furniture for the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) at their Oosterdokskade branch (OBA Oosterdok).
Client
Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam
Location
Amsterdam Oosterdok
Start - end date
- up to
March 2019
Expertise
Ten years after its opening, OBA Oosterdok has been adapted to the evolving use of the building. There was a need for more study spaces, for both groups and individual learners. We produced and installed new custom furniture on nearly every floor of the nine-story building.
On the Youth Department in the basement, we installed lockable display cabinets with glass panels and fully rounded comic book furniture, allowing young readers to browse comics from both the inside and outside of the units. On the ground floor, we produced and installed reception and security desks in Hi-Macs. Here we also placed extensive seating, featuring blue steel and decorative wall elements. A striking feature at the entrance is a large Hi-Macs unit in which, through careful collaboration between interior construction and technology, book intake is fully automated.
For the OBA Café, we manufactured a large bar and wall unit, as well as serving counters, magazine racks, various desks, and copy corners.
In the Round Hall (Harry Mulisch Hall) on the second floor, we produced and installed a semi-circular seating tribune in walnut.
On the other floors, including the House of All Languages, we produced and installed book and display cabinets in oak, professional workspaces, tables, various stages, and wardrobe furniture.
Last but not least, we redesigned the foyer of the OBA Theater on the seventh floor, including seating, mobile bar furniture, and an impressive lockable bar unit.
This project was a collaboration between Jo Coenen Architects & Urbanists, Arcadis, OBA, and Issos.
Yes, we do that regularly, for example in museums! We have extensive experience with structural requirements, additional permitting processes, and respecting original features during renovations or transformations. The bigger the challenge, the more rewarding the work!
We consider routing, acoustics, sightlines, materials, and maintenance. Everything must not only look good but also be logical, safe, and durable in use – especially in sectors such as government, culture, and airports.
Yes. Our team is trained, vetted, and familiar with the procedures. We regularly work in areas with restricted access and strict logistics, such as airports or government facilities.
Yes. We have the organization, network, and experience to operate simultaneously at multiple locations across the Netherlands – with centralized coordination and local execution.
Sure. We regularly work in construction teams with external architects, contractors and consultants. We coordinate our role flexibly: from interior construction alone to taking care of the entire process.
No. We also take on smaller assignments and sub-projects with the same care and professionalism. Think of reception areas, pantries, meeting rooms or custom solutions where quality and detail are important.
Turnkey means that we take care of the entire process: from engineering to planning, execution and aftercare. One point of contact, one schedule, one result. No separate links, but one sleek whole.
Yes. We have our own production in-house and work with a permanent group of high-quality production partners. We engineer, plan and coordinate everything — including production, installation and delivery. This is how we guarantee quality, planning and a high level of finish.
Because we contribute ideas from practice to the practical feasibility of a project. We often see where bottlenecks can arise and how to prevent them — technically, financially or architecturally. This way, you prevent delays and failure costs.
