Based on a design by BiermanHenket, the former Citroëngebouw Zuid at the Stadionplein in Amsterdam has been transformed into a building complex with a variety of functionalities. The architect firm stayed true to the modernist architecture of Jan Wils in both the renovation and the expansion of the building.

Citroëngebouw Zuid was originally built in 1931 as a garage for the eponymous car brand; the Second Citroëngarage Noord was completed in 1962. Both buildings were designed by Jan Wils, who had already designed the nearby Olympic Stadium in 1928.

The two Citroën buildings, the plaza between them and the station make up an exceptional urban ensemble at the south-western entrance to the city. The reallocation of both Citroën buildings has been in the works since 2015. The northern garage is a project by Rijnboutt, while Citroëngebouw Zuid was transformed by BiermanHenket.

A large part of the original workplace was demolished and rebuilt. A large conference room under a glass roof forms the heart of the complex. The shape of the new wing was inspired by the existing architecture by Wils. The new façades are clad in glazed ceramic panels, the colour of which suits the painted masonry of the existing building. On the stadium side, BiermanHenket added a distinctive glass entrance and stairwell with a modern appearance and an unmistakable connection to the round volume of the original entrance.

Photography: Joep Jacobs