Project: Hotel the Craftsmen
Project contractor: Van Braam- Minnesma B.V.
Design team: Michelle Zandbergen, Rose-Marie Smeets, Stef van Der Bijl
Main architect: Stef van der Bijl
Other craftsmen involved: Rick Wiersma, Aart Taminiau, Joram Barbiers
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year 2020
Photographer: João Vis
After a year of extensive renovations, a landmark 17th Century building on one of Amsterdam’s oldest canals has reopened its doors as Hotel The Craftsmen. The 14-room boutique hotel celebrates historical Dutch crafts with cleverly designed themed rooms. A stay at Hotel The Craftsman offers the luxury and comfort of a boutique hotel, combined with a unique design, rich history, and craftsmanship.
Spread over three historical properties, the hotel offers fourteen distinct and well-appointed rooms. Each room is given the name of the various craftsmen, such as the Boat Builders Signature Suite, The Instrument Makers Single Room, and the Bike Builders Deluxe Double Room. Together, the three buildings are listed as a national monument dating from 1652. During the extensive redesign, authentic elements were either preserved or meticulously restored. Any new design elements respect the distinct historical character and charm and pay homage to the hotel’s name. Period delft blue tiles, bedsteads, monumental floors, and the original staircase pair perfectly with beautiful antiques, vintage finds, modern materials, and clever reuse of craft related items the designers introduced to offer the comfort of today.
True craftsmanship meets alluring design
Twelve of the fourteen hotel rooms boast impressive views of the Amsterdam canals. The other two are located in the back of the hotel and overlook the vibrant Lijnbaanssteeg alley. Each room has its own unique design, representing a craft while respecting the historical context of the building.
To achieve this, the owners turned to artist Stef van de Bijl, who brought in more local craftsmen such as illustrator Aart Taminiau and steel designer Joram Barbiers. Together, they implemented original and imaginative design elements for which they often repurposed vintage materials befitting the theme. With their collective expertise and craftsmanship, they have given antiques and curiosa a contemporary and practical function within the hotel. Amongst the unique elements are an old canoe serving as a ceiling lamp, a wardrobe made with the emergency exit door of a Fokker F28 jet airliner, and reclaimed aluminum shoe-stretchers from the 1940’s getting a second chance in life as wall mounted reading lights. Every corner, nook, and cranny offers another design surprise.
Boutique experience
To offer guests the luxury and comfort they can expect, the hotel offers exquisite baths, Dyson hairdryers, comfortable beds, and carefully selected amenities, Hotel The Craftsmen ensures the best possible and most personal hotel experience. The breakfast served in the art-filled gallery overlooking the canal offers an extensive selection of freshly baked bread and pastries. Guests can further enjoy fresh cold cuts, fruit, fresh juices, teas, and any coffee they like. Furthermore, they can order eggs in any style or try warm Dutch traditional Poffertjes. These are “Dutch pancakes” that are fast becoming the guests’ favorite.
Breakfast is hosted by the hotels’ ambassadors. The ambassadors are the core of the hotel. They are the guests’ beck and are the hosts, receptionists, concierge and other staff there to make sure all guests feel welcome and are comfortable. The ambassadors are in the know of go-to spots and can provide tips and tailored recommendations for their stay in vibrant and stunning Amsterdam.
Dutch national heritage
The impressive canal houses at the Singel share a rich history. Roelof Swaen, deputy to legendary Dutch sea admiral Michiel de Ruyter, constructed the oldest of the three buildings in 1652. His ‘Huis de Swaen’ (The Swan) was initially a ferry house but turned into a hotel in the nineteenth century. An original stone plaque on the sidewall of the building, shows a swan, referring to its historical name today, In 1917, an Amsterdam local man with the name Brouwer bought Huis de Swaen and opened his Hotel, aptly called Hotel Brouwer. Exactly 100 years later, the Brouwer heirs sold it to the current owners, the Zandbergen family.
Redevelopment
The Zandbergen family took on the challenging task of turning the national monument into a luxurious boutique hotel. Challenging is an understatement, as the original 17th-century architecture had to remain intact in accordance with the requirements of Amsterdam’s monument care. They also stipulated that in some places in the hotel, the original features or elements had to be brought back. These can now be admired by guests staying at the hotel. Some of these include authentic bedsteads, a so-called ‘Keulse goot’ (a 17th-century indoor gutter), and Delft Blue tiles. The rich history is also reflected in the monumental staircase, the exposed beams and eaves, the original wooden floors, and the intimate and narrow hallways.
For Michelle Zandbergen, daughter of the Zandbergen family and responsible for the day-to-day operation of Hotel The Craftsmen, it is important that the historical value of the hotel and the unique location are represented in every nook and cranny of the hotel.
“Amsterdam has a wonderful history of craftsmanship, we want to bring that cultural heritage to life by not only creating a beautiful hotel but also by letting the guests touch and feel the craftsmanship that is behind it. To achieve that we have combined the raw, authentic crafts that define this city with a modern, luxury boutique experience.”
