Office Smithplein
Cliënt:
Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao
Program:
Office and apartment
Location:
Otrobanda, Curacao
Year:
2017
Status:
Completed
In 2017, we transformed two historic buildings on Smithplein in Otrobanda Curaçao, into modern, functional spaces while preserving their rich heritage.
The project began with a restoration plan in 1999 but was only revived and completed years later at the request of Monumentenzorg Curaçao. This project consists of two buildings on Smithplein (Smithplein 12 and Smithplein 14). Both are part of the monumental townscape of Willemstad.
About this area
Otrobanda, one of Willemstad’s four historic districts, is part of the UNESCO-listed Inner City and Harbour of Willemstad, alongside Punda, Pietermaai, and Scharloo. Among its 743 listed monuments are grand mansions, townhouses, and modest workers’ homes.
Established in the 18th century as an extension of Punda, Otrobanda grew organically, contrasting Punda’s planned development. Its vibrant culture, narrow alleyways, and diverse architecture earned it the name “the other side.” The district’s colorful buildings date back to an 1817 decree by Governor Kikkert, mandating soft colors over white to prevent eye issues, based on advice from a local doctor.
Today, Otrobanda is increasingly popular, known for its murals, local shops, and cafes. Investments aim to make the neighborhood lively and safe, with renovations breathing new life into dilapidated buildings to preserve its heritage. However, balancing renewal with maintaining character remains a challenge, as outlined in our previously shared a manifest.
Designing the heritage
Restoring these buildings emphasizes their historical value. Originally planned as offices, one building was converted into an apartment for our Amsterdam colleagues. We adapted the two buildings for modern use. For instance, both now feature air conditioning for comfort. Though originally sharing an open layout, the buildings lacked floors and had many broken walls. We redesigned the layout based on the original floor plan, adding space for sanitary facilities and a pergola between the colorful buildings.
With no restrictions on facade color in the protected cityscape, we chose contrasting colors for aesthetic appeal. Traditional elements like gable roofs were retained, shutters were restored with added glass windows, and doors were selected to enhance the historical look.
Every decision respected the buildings’ heritage. Just like we did with other UNESCO World Heritage projects, including Hotel ‘t Klooster and Helenastraat.
Outside and inside
The pergola or courtyard between the two buildings remains an active project. Over the years we’ve added some plants, further enhancing the space’s charm. These plants will also help to provide some shade and bring down the temperature near the buildings. Making this a nice place to stay and work. We water the plants with the used water from the AC. In the next coming years we will keep on adding greenery.
The apartment’s interior design, executed by Sas Styling Stuff, was also done later on. The design complements the historic framework of the structure with contemporary touches, balancing modern comfort and historical character. We’re very happy with the result and our collaboration ‘when exterior meets interior’.
Photography before transformation: via Monumentenfonds Curacao.
Photography after transformation: Daphne Vermeulen
Interior photography after transformation: Berber van Beek © Studiorootz.
Gallery
Team:
Pieter Hoogendoorn
Lyongo Juliana
Contractor:
Delcam B.V.
In 2017, we transformed two historic buildings on Smithplein in Otrobanda Curaçao, into modern, functional spaces while preserving their rich heritage.
The project began with a restoration plan in 1999 but was only revived and completed years later at the request of Monumentenzorg Curaçao. This project consists of two buildings on Smithplein (Smithplein 12 and Smithplein 14). Both are part of the monumental townscape of Willemstad.
About this area
Otrobanda, one of Willemstad’s four historic districts, is part of the UNESCO-listed Inner City and Harbour of Willemstad, alongside Punda, Pietermaai, and Scharloo. Among its 743 listed monuments are grand mansions, townhouses, and modest workers’ homes.
Established in the 18th century as an extension of Punda, Otrobanda grew organically, contrasting Punda’s planned development. Its vibrant culture, narrow alleyways, and diverse architecture earned it the name “the other side.” The district’s colorful buildings date back to an 1817 decree by Governor Kikkert, mandating soft colors over white to prevent eye issues, based on advice from a local doctor.
Today, Otrobanda is increasingly popular, known for its murals, local shops, and cafes. Investments aim to make the neighborhood lively and safe, with renovations breathing new life into dilapidated buildings to preserve its heritage. However, balancing renewal with maintaining character remains a challenge, as outlined in our previously shared a manifest.
Designing the heritage
Restoring these buildings emphasizes their historical value. Originally planned as offices, one building was converted into an apartment for our Amsterdam colleagues. We adapted the two buildings for modern use. For instance, both now feature air conditioning for comfort. Though originally sharing an open layout, the buildings lacked floors and had many broken walls. We redesigned the layout based on the original floor plan, adding space for sanitary facilities and a pergola between the colorful buildings.
With no restrictions on facade color in the protected cityscape, we chose contrasting colors for aesthetic appeal. Traditional elements like gable roofs were retained, shutters were restored with added glass windows, and doors were selected to enhance the historical look.
Every decision respected the buildings’ heritage. Jus like we did with other UNESCO World Heritage projects, including Hotel ‘t Klooster and Helenastraat.
Outside and inside
The pergola or courtyard between the two buildings remains an active project. Over the years we’ve added some plants, further enhancing the space’s charm. These plants will also help to provide some shade and bring down the temperature near the buildings. Making this a nice place to stay and work. We water the plants with the used water from the AC. In the next coming years we will keep on adding greenery.
The apartment’s interior design, executed by Sas Styling Stuff, was also done later on. The design complements the historic framework of the structure with contemporary touches, balancing modern comfort and historical character. We’re very happy with the result and our collaboration ‘when exterior meets interior’.
Photography before transformation: via Monumentenfonds Curacao.
Photography after transformation: Daphne Vermeulen
Interior photography after transformation: Berber van Beek © Studiorootz.
Gallery
Team:
Pieter Hoogendoorn
Lyongo Juliana
Contractor:
Delcam B.V.
