Kantoorgebouw, Rokin 111

English translation

The text above is the record as published by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, in Dutch. The English below is a machine translation made by TreeAlive, not by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed; it has not been checked by a person. Where the two differ, the original is the record. Report a translation error: privacy@treealive.com

Description

Introduction

An OFFICE BUILDING of the 'Internationale Tabakshandelmaatschappij' constructed in 1920-1923, which also commissioned the construction. Long building period due in part to changes in the plans concerning the concrete works. The architect was J. London. Designed and built in the style of Americanism. On the different storeys space for offices and small magazines. Front facade on the side of the Rokin. On the side of the Nes is the lower rear facade. On this side there were also offices, as well as the sample hall. The staircase was lit by means of a lantern.

Description

Office building constructed on a rectangular ground plan. On the side of the Rokin six storeys: basement, ground floor, four storeys. On the side of the Nes above a basement storey two further storeys. The whole is covered by a set of flat roofs. On the western part still some small roof hips. Strongly symmetrical and horizontally and vertically articulated facades. The facade on the side of the Rokin is entirely constructed from blocks of different types of natural stone. At ground floor level this facade shows basement openings in the plinth. To the right of the centre the central entrance. This consists of an entrance door in the middle of rounded facade sections which are terminated as pillars by a coping plate. Above this section a broad lintel with high fanlight. Wrought iron grillwork and decorations. To the left of the entrance section three recessed windows. Strongly bevelled lower sill and a below it a natural stone block in light colour with triangular decoration. Also to the right of the entrance section another such window. The above lying five bays wide facade is strongly vertically articulated by six fluted half-columns extending over the storeys constructed from drums of natural stone. Square bases between which wrought iron railings. Fantasy capitals with ornamental moulding. On the capitals a coping plate on which a broad natural stone facade coping conceived as a pediment. On the underside thereof a rusticated moulding. Further stepped mouldings and two multi-faceted superstructures. In the centre a relief on which a vessel with tobacco leaves. On the first storey five double fenêtres à terre each with ten-light glazing. Above this a twelve-light fanlight. Facade frieze between the storeys constructed from heavy cassettes clamped between the half-columns with recessed panels. Windows on the second storey have double six-light casement windows and broad twelve-light fanlight. Facade frieze as described. The windows of the third storey have double six-light casement windows and broad eight-light fanlight. Facade frieze as described. The windows of the fourth storey have double six-light casement windows and a broad four-light fanlight.

On the side of the Nes there is a lower and strongly articulated and five bays wide mortared facade. Pilasters and wall piers between which recessed fields with windows. Small light openings to the basement. Windows on the ground floor have sash windows with glazing. On the storey narrow windows with tilt windows. On the left side two simple entrance arrangements. Facade termination with natural stone superstructure over the full width of the facade. Truncated pediment and rusticated decoration on the flanking sections.

Valuation

Office building of general importance due to its architectural-historical values: importance for the history of architecture, as well as importance of the object due to the high-quality aesthetic qualities of the design and due to the distinctive use of materials and ornamentation. The facades of the object have been well preserved.