KAAN Architecten Designs Grand Circular Staircase in the Netherlands Largest Courthouse

KAAN Architecten has recently designed the Amsterdam Courthouse, which is said to be the largest in the Netherlands. The building features a 50-meter-high façade that mainly wraps in glazing and allows ample natural light to enter the interior while offering an unobstructed view of the city to the visitors and employees. The focal point of the courthouse is its grand circular staircase that connects the highest floors.  The structure was built to replace the old-fashioned judicial complex in the rapidly developing Zuidas district. Spread over an area of 60.200 m2, the building comprises 50 courtrooms. Scroll down to read more about the building at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

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The access to the Amsterdam Courthouse is realized through a vast exterior square that works as an extension to the interior, having a greyish stone hue flooring and wooden benches.

The lower floor is dedicated to the public area that contains large windows. The forecourt covers the three-fourth area of the building includes a series of artworks and a reflecting pool.

Dark Linear Façade

The courthouse boasts a dark linear façade that emphasizes the dignified look of the building.

The main load-bearing structure is formed by using high steel columns, while smaller openings with delicate outlines and concealed window frames create the three-part horizontal division.

Spacious Courtrooms

Once the visitors or employees pass the elegant canopy on the main square, they are welcomed into the central foyer, which has reception desks and a cafeteria.

Reaching the  upper floors, the courtrooms disclose surrounded by big halls where people come and go; generally, lawyers meet with clients and reporters.

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An Impressive Staircase

The highest levels of the building are connected through a magnificent circular staircase, giving way to the judges’ chambers and offices that are enclosed around green outdoor and indoor courtyards.

Three Greater Sections

The building has is horizontally divided into three sections to simplify the separation of its operations and effective movement of judges, employees, and visitors within its structure.

Large openings on the lower floors have the most open and public areas directly connected to the public square. The areas that require confidentiality and privacy remain separate to fulfil the user’s needs. 

Material Palette

Natural stone is used in the square part of the façade and the entrance hall. To anticipate the future transformations, the architects made the structure as much as flexible in terms of technical installations, spatial organization and building physics.

The courthouse features big windows that offer multiple views towards the surroundings, and the patios are flooding with greenery and light. It also features specifically commissioned original sculpture in the entrance square by Nicole Eisenman. Further, the back garden shows the artworks by Jesse Wine and the artworks by Femmy Otten adorns the courtroom.

Project Details

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