Built on Java Island in Amsterdam, on the pier that until the middle of the 20th century welcomed immigrants from Indonesia, Jakarta Hotel is inspired by the maritime connection between the Dutch city and Asia. The structure by WestCord was designed by SeARCH architecture firm in collaboration with the Dutch bamboo products company MOSO®. It is the most sustainable hotel in Europe: the project is equipped with solar panels, a rainwater collector and a central garden with subtropical vegetation that regulates the temperature during summer and winter.
The use of bamboo, a traditional Far East material that is resistant and healthy, reinforces the idea of a sustainable space with its negative CO2 footprint. The elements made with this material – floors, walls, ceilings, beams and furnishing details – demonstrate its versatility as a building material, clearly visible even above the bar area, where curved bamboo beams remind of an ancient boat, in a further reference to the Dutch-Asian trade relations.
Hotel Jakarta also includes a restaurant, a wellness area and a bakery, while the rooms develop around the central green area. A large glass façade encloses the building letting in the light.