Aluminum window frames are an important element in facade renovation

Opt for sustainable windows with an exceptional color guarantee

In Amsterdam, the old Zwaansvliet office building was completely transformed into the stylish office complex ‘The Lobby’. Under the direction of RoosRos Architects, the building was modernized without compromising its robust structure. WJ Projects stripped the building down to its basic structure and expanded it with two additional floors. APS Facade replaced the old window frames with Star 75 aluminum systems from Aliplast Aluminium Systems. The system house developed several new profiles for this purpose.

From single-tenant to multi-tenant structure

The Zwaansvliet office building no longer met current requirements and was in need of thorough renovation and modernization. RoosRos Architects was commissioned to carry out this challenging transformation. 

“The original building was designed in 1965 for a single tenant. We were asked to modernize the building and expand the available space, but the City of Amsterdam did not allow us to alter its authentic character,” says project architect Daan T.P. Font Freide. “In our design, we respected the characteristic robust structure and integrated additional floors that blend seamlessly with the original architecture. By adding those extra square meters and moving the entrance to the center, the layout was optimized and we were able to transform this building from a single-tenant to a multi-tenant structure. The façade was also completely modernized and made more sustainable. The building underwent a complete metamorphosis: a visual refresh and a significant improvement in energy performance. The outdated Zwaansvliet office building was thus transformed into the stylish and modern office complex ‘The Lobby’.”

Fresh and modern look thanks to aluminum window frames

WJ Projects was the ideal partner for this complex transformation. The company, with offices in Amsterdam, Amersfoort, and Rotterdam, had already successfully completed several projects that other contractors did not even want to attempt. 

“We stripped this building down to its basic structure and then expanded it with additional floors. For the ‘crown’, we chose a lightweight construction and a special type of wooden flooring from Switzerland, which created good acoustics and made it possible to add two additional floors instead of just one. The entire electrical and mechanical installation was renewed, bringing the building back into line with current wishes and requirements. The result is a sustainable office complex with five floors and a total surface area of approximately 6,800 m². The eye-catcher of this project is the spectacular central spiral staircase that connects all floors,” explains commercial director Tijn Floris. “The façade was also completely modernized and made more sustainable. Façade builder APS Facade replaced the old window frames with modern Star 75 aluminum frames from Aliplast.”

This window system has an installation depth of 75 mm for the outer frame and 84 mm for the sash. It is suitable for glass thicknesses between 12 and 61 mm for the frame and between 21 and 69 mm for the sash. With a Uw value of 0.94 W/m²K, airtightness class 4, and an acoustic value of 47.1 dB (-1,-4), this solution is perfect for applications with the most stringent requirements in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation. 

“We offer a wide range of profiles, enabling us to assist architects, contractors, facade builders, and building owners with any type of project. Our specialists are always thinking along with you to offer a suitable solution, even if this requires new developments,” says Marc Mulders, sales manager at Aliplast Aluminium Systems. “We developed several new profiles specifically for this project, which made the installation of the glass sections more efficient and made life easier for the installation teams.”

Cradle-to-Cradle certified profiles

Aliplast aims to make its products and production processes as sustainable as possible. Thanks to excellent insulation values and the use of circular materials, the aluminum profiles improve the energy efficiency of buildings. “The hollow chambers of the profiles contain stagnant air. In winter, this helps to keep the cold out and the heat in, while in summer it works exactly the opposite way. The profiles are also Cradle-to-Cradle certified, which contributes to the sustainability of a building,” concludes Mulders. “You can also choose from an extensive color range with a 15-year warranty, some even with a unique 25-year warranty. In addition, this paint carries the ‘Qualicoat Seaside’ quality label, which provides extra protection for joinery against aggressive environments.”