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From a laboratory for the University of Amsterdam to a five-star luxury hotel

Nestled in Amsterdam’s historic Oosterpark district, Pillows Hotel occupies a grand building originally constructed in 1908 as a laboratory for the University of Amsterdam. Today, it has been carefully transformed into a five-star luxury hotel. Led by the architectural firm Office Winhov, this renovation is a thoughtful example of adaptive reuse, preserving the building’s legacy while introducing a fresh sense of openness and connection to its surroundings.

The building, designed by Jan Bernard Springer in the Amsterdam School architectural style, included a formal facade facing the canals and three wings that open onto the park. It functioned as part of the university for decades and its original architecture featuring thick brick walls, glazed corridors, and an austere, grandiose presence can still be seen.

When the property was purchased by its current owner Alex Mulder, the vision was to transform the building into a luxurious space while maintaining its historical integrity. To this end, the architectural firm chose a philosophy of minimal intervention. Office Winhov made it a priority to preserve as many original elements as possible, from the brick exterior to the stained-glass windows. They also adopted an approach that avoided unnecessary demolition, incorporating the building’s existing features into new designs.

The original features of the historic building have been carefully preserved to maintain its authentic character.

This emphasis on preservation is particularly evident in the extension added to the original structure. The new wing is so seamlessly integrated with the original that, unless one pays close attention, it’s nearly impossible to distinguish the two. Even the bricks used in the extension were carefully chosen to match the older building, while modern touches, like black-framed windows, maintain the overall aesthetic harmony.

Pillows Grand Hotel Ter Borch, situated in the northeast of the Netherlands, was the first Pillows hotel designed by Paul Linse.

While Office Winhov focused on maintaining the architectural integrity, interior designer Paul Linse was tasked with softening the industrial atmosphere. Linse, known for his work on the Pillows Hotel in Zwolle, brought warmth and elegance through a subdued, refined palette. He used ton-sur-ton techniques—layering similar tones to create a serene environment—while adding luxurious textures, such as plush carpets and custom-made Italian beds, to counterbalance the building’s harder elements.

Far from the impersonal check-in counters of traditional hotels, guests are welcomed into a cozy living room like space where the process of arrival begins.

A distinctive feature of the hotel is its "living room" concept, which replaces a traditional reception area, inviting guests to feel as though they’re entering a private residence rather than a hotel. This welcoming atmosphere aligns with the brand’s ethos of comfort and familiarity.

One of the most notable aspects of Pillows Hotel is its integration with the local community. Situated adjacent to Oosterpark, the transformation of the building was part of a broader city initiative to make the park more accessible. The fences that once separated the property from the public have been removed, creating a seamless connection between the hotel and its surroundings. Both guests and locals can now enjoy the park’s serene environment, enhanced by the presence of the hotel’s dining and cultural offerings.

Spring Café Restaurant is centered around light, fresh Italian and French cuisine, with a strong connection to the surrounding park.

This sense of inclusivity extends to the hotel’s Spring Café brasserie, located in the new wing, which opens directly onto the park, offering diners views of the greenery. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, VanOost, occupies what was once a university classroom. Its design draws on Amsterdam’s historical links to the East, with natural materials like wood and marble evoking the city’s spice trade and colonial past.

A nod to the building’s scientific heritage is found in the naming of one of the banquet halls after Louis Bolk, a prominent Dutch scientist who once conducted research on the premises, reflecting the structure’s history of innovation. 

Art also plays a prominent role in shaping the hotel’s character. The owner’s personal art collection is displayed throughout the hotel, giving it a gallery-like ambiance. Dutch artist Rafael Hermes was commissioned to create a series of paintings for the guest rooms, many inspired by the surrounding park’s flora and fauna, enhancing the connection between the hotel and its natural setting.

Fitz’s Bar features a Picasso from the owner’s private collection.

Among the hotel's distinctive spaces is the Fitz’s Bar, a hidden gem inspired by the roaring 1920s. Tucked behind a curtain, the bar evokes a speakeasy vibe with intricate woodwork, an atmospheric ceiling, and even a Picasso from the owner’s private collection.

Pillows Hotel stands as a harmonious blend of historical preservation, modern design, and artistic flair. By carefully balancing the building’s heritage with contemporary comforts, Office Winhov and Paul Linse have created a space that offers a unique experience for guests while enriching the surrounding community. For those who appreciate architecture, design, and history, the hotel exemplifies the successful fusion of past and present. 

Website: www.pillowshotels.com/amsterdam-mauritskade
Instagram: @pillows.mauritsatthepark