Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park by Office Winhov

The Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, designed by Office Winhov, is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse architecture in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Completed in 2022, this luxury 5-star hotel occupies a historic former university dissection laboratory built in 1908 by architect Jan Bernard Springer. Through careful restoration, a modern extension, and seamless integration with the surrounding Oosterpark, the project transforms a monumental building into a vibrant, contemporary hotel while preserving its historic charm.

Historic Transformation & Adaptive Reuse

Once a formal academic building, the original brick structure was characterized by its stately street-facing façade and three wings overlooking the park. Office Winhov approached the project with sensitivity, retaining defining architectural features such as the massive brick walls, vaulted corridors clad in glazed brick, and the spacious former museum hall with exposed trusses.

The challenge was not only to restore and repurpose the historic building but also to create a welcoming hotel that engages with the public. This adaptive reuse project exemplifies how heritage structures can evolve to meet modern hospitality needs without losing their identity.

Seamless Park Integration

The relationship with Oosterpark was at the heart of the design. The park now extends all the way to the hotel, blurring boundaries between architecture and landscape. Each wing of the hotel engages with the green surroundings differently:

• The brasserie in the new extension directly opens onto the park.
• The former museum hall, now a restaurant, offers sweeping bird’s-eye views of the greenery.
• Other public areas embrace natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

By opening its monumental structure to the park, the hotel transitions from an enclosed academic facility to an accessible cultural and social hub.

Interior Design & Atmosphere

Office Winhov collaborated with Studio Linse, interior designers known for creating soft and welcoming environments. Together, they crafted interiors that honor the historic bones of the building while introducing contemporary luxury. Glazed brick walls, high ceilings, and structural trusses remain visible, enhancing authenticity. These elements are paired with refined, modern furnishings and warm materials, creating a balance between heritage and comfort.

The result is a grand yet intimate boutique hotel that caters to travelers while also inviting locals to dine, gather, and enjoy the park.

A Sustainable Future for Heritage Buildings

The Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park stands as a model of how heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design can coexist. By breathing new life into a once-closed academic facility, the project strengthens its urban role, enriches the cultural fabric of Amsterdam, and enhances the park experience for locals and visitors alike.

All the photographs are works of Karin Borghouts