Platform on concrete and steel in construction
The Diamond Exchange, Capital C Amsterdam has been awarded the National Steel Award 2020. The national monument underwent a major renovation designed by architecture firm ZJA in collaboration with Heyligers design + project and has been restored to its former glory.
On the roof shines the High Light, an unusual, naturally shaped dome of steel and glass. Distinctive is the way the High Light is both an eye-catcher and a self-conscious sign, yet made so light that it serves the historic monument.
Copyright JW Kaldenbach
The Gerrit van Arkel-designed national monument that opened its doors in 1911 has been largely restored to its original design with this renovation. Original monumental features have been reconstructed and the two prominent towers, the original eaves and tympanums on the roof from Van Arkel's design have been restored. The upper floor added in later years was replaced with two floors of multifunctional spaces under a unique dome of steel and glass. The High Light is transparent, light and open and equipped with integrated solar cells that not only generate energy but also block out the sun. This keeps the indoor climate as comfortable as possible.
Juror Wico Ankersmit: "Bringing it back largely to Gerrit van Arkel's original design can be called successful. After receiving a then modern roof structure in 1990, the building has now been accurately restored to its original form and a contemporary volume has been added. The transparent and spherical new roof structure with an organic play of lines is clearly present on the roof, but also not. It leaves the original form entirely intact, is not obtrusive, but also offers an exciting, contemporary addition. Constructively, it is a spectacular design, where little extra steel has been used and is nicely incorporated without appearing pompous. We see here an innovative construction with sophisticated detailing. A combination of techniques in design and execution, and that in an inner-city location. Modern on classic. It makes sense."
Copyright Capital C Amsterdam
The design of the High Light is respectful of historical design, but contemporary in technical and functional design. The spatial dome is self-standing and stands a step back from the facade line and separate from the bell tower. Where the two replicated towers are on the roof, the ribs of the steel structure have been omitted and a green roof terrace has been created. The spatial dome is an eye-catcher, but because of its restrained position on the roof and its spatial, transparent construction, it is restrained and honorable to the national monument. Thus monument and dome together form one natural whole.
The High Light is a feat of state of the art architecture: the dome is a gridshell, meaning that the structural strength is provided by the double curvature of the elements. A principle that made large spans possible. The steel structure was parametrically designed and optimized by ZJA. This allowed the current shape of the High Light to be realized not only because it became technically feasible, but also cost-efficient. Moreover, the shape could be generated in a natural, controlled way. Octatube is responsible for the engineering and execution of the High Light and Pieters Bouwtechniek for the structural design.
With the restoration of the Diamond Exchange, Capital C Amsterdam and its new crowning roof, an iconic building has once again been added to the heart of Amsterdam. With its multifaceted brilliance, the High Light evokes the building's history as the center of the international diamond trade. At the same time, in function, design and innovative structural design, the stylish dome makes the future tangible.
As Capital C, the Diamond Exchange offers a contemporary work environment and event space with space for art in a unique monument. Thus the Diamond Exchange, in its reincarnation as Capital C, once again becomes an important part of Amsterdam.
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