In the Museumkwartier, or Museum District, of Amsterdam a luxury building is emerging which is getting plenty of attention from passers-by. Our project, which is called ‘De Hooch’, is located at the centre of Amsterdam’s cultural heart in the Oud-Zuid district, which is where the city centre and ‘De Pijp’ neighbourhoods meet. The 28 apartments in the fashionable upper segment offer floor areas ranging from 170 m² to 300 m². The new website shows exactly what the project is about, namely grand and exclusive apartments for people who impose high demands on their home environment.
A number of weeks ago, we celebrated the fact that the highest point of the building had been reached. The new-build apartments are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022. The central location, luxury finishes and the high level of service make this the perfect way for future residents to start the New Year. Two project developers involved the construction of the De Hooch, Michiel Rogaar and Merel van Deuren, are keen to talk about this prestigious project.
The final few De Hooch apartments are now up for sale. What makes De Hooch so unique?
Merel replies, ‘First and foremost, the building’s location is really special. There are few new-build projects offering this level of quality in Amsterdam, let alone at such a desirable and central location. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the beating cultural heart of Amsterdam are literally a stone’s throw from De Hooch. Some of the apartments even look out onto the Rijksmuseum. At the same time, De Hooch provides the peace and quiet and privacy its residents need.’
Michiel adds, ‘The building’s location is indeed extremely unique. If you’re a fan of culture and art, there’s no better place to live in Amsterdam. Besides all the museums, you are also close to the fashion district which stretches from the P.C. Hooftstraat up to the Willemsparkweg. Various Mechelen star restaurants and the popular De Pijp neighbourhood are a short walk away.’
In addition to an outstanding location, De Hooch also offers an unprecedented level of service and comfort. All the apartments are entirely on one level and phased access system gives residents a feeling of security. There is a lobby with a caretaker, an underground car park and a private lift which takes you straight to your apartment. All these factors contribute to the building’s unique character.
What does De Hooch offer that future residents cannot readily find anywhere else?
Michiel explains, ‘The lobby is truly a feature which makes De Hooch stand out. The caretaker, or facilities manager, is tasked with making sure that the residents want for nothing. Not only does this create a feeling of extra security, it also represents a unique level of service and convenience for residents each and every day. Daily tasks, such as taking receipt of packages and looking after pets, are just a couple of the things that the caretaker is more than happy to do.’
Merel continues, ‘Exactly, and that’s unique in Amsterdam. There’s also a bar in the lobby, a luxurious lounge with open fire and a conference room. Residents can also adjust things like audio systems and sunblinds using a touch display behind the front door. This makes living in the building even more enjoyable because everything revolves around comfort and a carefree home.’
Michiel adds, ‘The underground car park is also worth mentioning. Parking in Amsterdam is not always a straightforward matter and the car park not only creates a safe and private place for residents to park their cars, but also makes their homes very accessible.’
De Hooch exudes luxury. How is that going to be reflected in the finish?
Merel explains, ‘The façades include carefully fitted Japanese hardstone strips and only the highest quality materials have been used inside the apartments and penthouses. The ceiling heights are also higher than average which, along with the many windows, contributes to the feeling of space in the apartments. Every detail is intended to give residents a feeling of openness and space.’
Michiel adds, ‘Of course we also focused on making the apartments and the building future-proof, both in terms of finish and sustainability. The rooms are filled with solar panels to turn solar energy into electricity in a sustainable way. The apartments are extremely well insulated and have underfloor heating and cooling which helps improve the building’s energy efficiency.’
De Hooch is going to be completed at the beginning of 2022. The final few De Hooch apartments are now up for sale. If you would like to receive more information about this special project, please visit the new website of De Hooch.