This Novotel lies within walking distance of the railway station in Hoofddorp. The main entrance to the hotel is located on the station side, while the south side features a continuous front that frames the bar and restaurant, serving both hotel guests and passing pedestrians.

In the low building volume we designed a large atrium with a glazed roof that allows the infiltration of daylight. The building boasts very high energy-performance levels due to the relatively narrow vertical windows, deep nudes, direct ventilation, connection to a geothermal heat pump, and high insulation value. For the construction we used materials that are easy to separate and reuse.

Notable materials include the glossy printed ceramic Cradle-to-Cradle tiles with which the building is cladded. We developed these tiles in collaboration with a graphic designer and tile manufacturer according to a new manufacturing procedure. The print, which is an abstract representation of reed, interprets the surroundings of the Haarlemmermeerpolder in a contemporary manner.

The intensity of the printed pattern decreases along the façade like the image of a fringe of reeds. Instead of using pigments, we glazed the tiles with a matt-stone coat and pressed them with high-gloss ink. The appearance of the print alters as the observer moves and daylight conditions change.

Interior
For the new Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Mulderblauw architects was responsible for the exterior as well as the interior of the building. Important for the new concept of the public area is a rather informal setting combined with nature as a theme.

The entrance is characterised by an impressive wooden canopy of which the ledges continue on inside. The continuous canopy in combination with the storey-high windows that have been applied all around the public area, are essential for a welcoming gesture towards the guests.

The various functions on the ground floor have been merged into one dynamic multifunctional area. The individual reception desks, the food bar, the play area and the gourmet restaurant overlap, which creates constant interaction between these areas. The heart of this continuous space is the atrium with the “tree of life”, an eye catcher and important element in the new generation of Novotel hotels. The gourmet restaurant, which offers a range of local dishes, is located in the same area. The show kitchen, which shows the chefs at work, creates a warm and transparent vibe.

Located against the kitchen wall is an impressing wall unit, stocked with familiar Dutch products. This central space is enriched by the skylights and is positioned in such a way that the other public functions are grouped around it. The theme, nature, is reflected in the use of honest materials such as blue steel, wood and exposed concrete. From the atrium into the terrace the space becomes more intimate. This is where the play area is located: an interactive space with a football table, a game computer and playful furniture to entertain kids big and small.

The meeting and conference spaces are on the first floor. Despite the high percentage of businesspeople, the meeting facilities have also been given a more casual setting by using homely elements like a pantry, kitchen tables, comfortable armchairs and floor lamps.

The public spaces have additionally been given a Dutch touch in the form of artwork. In collaboration with a graphic designer we used images from the Rijksmuseum and gave them a modern feel. By enlarging, cropping or distorting images and projecting these on walls and carpets, we’ve created surprising design elements.

Photography by Abaca Corporate / Barbara Zonzin, Melanie Weij, Studio Gregor