Beach club/hospitality | Amsterdam

In May 2017, Strandzuid reopened! After a winter-long transformation, the city beach behind the RAI Amsterdam is open to the public again. The new complex consists of a large pavilion on the east side of the water, several smaller pavilions and two sandy beaches.

Our design seeks to contrast with the corporate architecture of the RAI’s convention buildings. So we chose the human scale, slanted lines and dark wood. This is evident, among other things, in the unusual roof structures, with the two large pavilions each featuring four roof shapes finished with cedar shingles from Canada. Strandzuid thus became a fusion of various social places, indoors and outdoors, in different atmospheres. In total, there are eight areas for recreation: The Restaurant, The Boat House, The Beach House, The Jetty Bar, The Beach Bar, The Playground, Heineken Beer Terrace and The Beach. All zones are ingeniously connected at the back to each other and the two kitchens and other facility areas. The interior design was worked out by Barbara van Vliet and Anouk Solleveld in consultation with hospitality entrepreneurs Michel Pais and Bram van Es of Unlimited Label. Strandzuid is a relaxed meeting place in the middle of the city; ideal for an intimate dinner, wedding party or business reception. In winter, it is available for events under the name South Pole. From the adjacent Beatrix Park, it is now also possible to take a circular walk along the waters of the Boerenwetering and its impressive row of trees. Previously, this area was hermetically sealed.

Preparation took more than two years. Construction itself began in October 2016. The total area of Strandzuid has remained the same, but more efficient use of space allows more people to enjoy the beach club. This is the second project, after Caffe Esprit on the Spui in Amsterdam, that we designed for Unlimited Label.