The iconic Het Zandkasteel building in Amsterdam, originally the headquarters of ING Bank, has undergone a complete renovation and transformation. Designed by the architecture studio D/DOCK, the building now hosts apartments, offices, restaurants, and an international school. Its unique sand-colored facades and organic shapes remain a defining feature, reminiscent of a sandcastle.
As part of the renovation, wooden ceilings in the public spaces of the towers were replaced to meet modern fire safety standards while maintaining the original aesthetic. The authentic undulating forms and historical colors were preserved, seamlessly integrating lighting into the design.
Fire-Safe Wooden Ceilings
For this project, Veteka produced approximately 50,000m of pinewood profiles, treated with Burnblock fire retardant. Using Burnblock’s eco-friendly and sustainable vacuum-pressure impregnation method in their own autoclave, Veteka elevated the ceiling profiles to Euroclass B standard in accordance with NEN EN 13 505-1. The treatment ensures that fire-retardant properties remain intact, even after finishing the wood in its historical colors.
Sustainability and Circularity
Het Zandkasteel has been celebrated for its sustainability since its completion in the 1980s. During this transformation, circularity became a key focus. The new pinewood ceilings align perfectly with this vision, offering a balance of durability, aesthetics, and fire safety.
Architect D/DOCK
Impregnated and delivered by Veteka
This project exemplifies the harmony of design, safety, and environmental responsibility, showcasing the timeless potential of wood as a building material.
