Cassina Contract x Conservatorium Hotel

One of the things that Amsterdam is extremely good at is repurposing historic buildings and turning them into stylish, up-to-the-minute hotels. In evidence of that, the historic Conservatorium Hotel, reinterpreted by Piero Lissoni and Cassina Contract which was in charge of the FF&E design (furniture, fixtures and equipment), including the interior design and supplying all the lighting, coverings and furniture.  The hotel is located a short distance from the P.C. Hoofstraat fashion area at the center of the museum district and it takes luxury to the nth degree. The building started out as a bank in the 1900s and then became a school of music (hence the name). Piero Lissoni chose Cassina Contract to partner him in the restoration of this legendary Hotel. They have worked together on many occasions in the past, with Cassina Contract providing a turnkey service for the interior design which includes the manufacture of customized furniture and fixtures. This was a significant undertaking, allowing the best of Made in Italy to be showcased with an international flavor. The meticulously restored west façade has been enclosed in an enormous glass box, creating a soaring, light-filled atrium that holds the lobby and the buzzing Conservatorium Brasserie. The glass cube in the central courtyard lends a cosmopolitan air to the hotel. The traditional brick facade of the original building can be seen through the transparent walls, providing a period backdrop to the interior of this ultramodern structure. The Brasserie is separated from the lobby by a library of glass-boxed shelving that frames an indoor garden, dominated by olive and fig trees. It’s a wonderful place to chill. Piero Lissoni’s design was inspired by the idea of welcoming the urbane, demanding traveler. “I wanted to create a refined, relaxed atmosphere in which the old blends seamlessly with the new” said the designer. The 129 uniquely designed guest rooms feature metal fused with glass and dark wood, while rough plaster panelling and neon yellow highlights complete the pared-back, masculine look. Taking advantage of the building’s lofty ceilings, many of the guest rooms are duplexes with large windows. Suggestive ethnic pieces and a choice selection of artwork sit comfortably side by side with the most up-to-date technology. The subtle interplay between the architecture of the past and the modern furnishings give a balanced feel to the entire structure. Due to the historic structure of the building extending over eight floors, there were separate layouts in each of the rooms and suites for which Cassina Contract provided the furnitures.