The Netherlands is a country of water. Our country is known for its famous coastline and the beautiful waterways running through the Dutch landscape. Impressive canals, waterways and rivers also flow through our cities. Think, for example, of the ports of Rotterdam, the well-known Amsterdam canals and the large rivers running through the middle of the country. In our previous blog we already highlighted a number of remarkable buildings with a unique view. In this blog we’ll tell you all about the most beautiful buildings by the water.

Office spaces on the Amsterdam IJ

Jacob Bontiusplaats 9

In the area known as Oostenburgereiland stands the INIT office building. This eastern island was built in the 17th century, after which it was purchased by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The entire island consisted of warehouses and shipyards that formed the heart of international trade from Amsterdam. For more than two centuries, the island served as the home base of the VOC.

The INIT office building is a striking sight along the quay. With a fully glass exterior, the building offers a spacious, far-reaching view over the IJ. Inside the transparent outer facade stand 11 buildings, each three stories high. This gives the building a distinctive architecture both inside and out. The building houses several offices, including those of Het Parool, Trouw and De Volkskrant.

Piet Heinkade 55

You can also find remnants of Dutch trading history along the Piet Heinkade. The quay is located in the Eastern Docklands and was named after Piet Hein in 1919. This lieutenant admiral served in the Dutch West India Company and became famous for capturing the Spanish silver fleet. The quay retained its character as a port area until the end of the 20th century, but from the 1990s onward it became home to several major Amsterdam landmarks, including the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ and Pakhuis de Zwijger.

With a magical view over the city and the IJ, UP Office Building is a wonderfully inspiring workplace in the city center. The office building boasts all the luxury facilities, including a beautiful lobby with reception, various flex workspaces, new meeting rooms, an indoor garage and reception areas for visitors. The view is especially spectacular from the in-house restaurant UPtown.

Working on Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Maas

Vijf Werelddelen 77

Amsterdam isn’t the only place that reminds you of the country’s trading history. The Entrepothaven in Rotterdam was originally a transshipment harbor. This area was the center of trade and industry. The Entrepot building on the quay dates from 1897. The building, called ‘De Vijf Werelddelen’ (The Five Continents), was used at the time to store coffee, tea, sugar and spices. The trading area has since moved to the west of the city, and the Entrepothaven now serves as a marina.

The 19th-century Entrepot building now provides space for offices. ‘De Vijf Werelddelen’ is located on this harbor in a unique Rotterdam spot. The office building’s central location means lunch and drinks venues, as well as public transport, are all within walking distance. For a workplace steeped in history, you’ve come to the right place!

Wilhelminakade 143-175

De Rotterdam is a true eye-catcher on the Rotterdam skyline. The building was designed in the late 1990s by Rotterdam architect Rem Koolhaas, but construction didn’t begin until 2009, finishing in 2013. By now, the building is one of the most well-known towers in Rotterdam. The three towers house apartments, a hotel and offices. The latter features modern meeting rooms, extensive reception services, a parking garage and an espresso bar with the best coffee — all perfect for the modern entrepreneur, employee and freelancer. With a beautiful view over the Maas and the Rotterdam cruise terminal, this is one of the most complete and unique office buildings in the city.

Workplace on the Utrecht canals

Oudegracht 34

The best-known canal in Utrecht is undoubtedly the Oudegracht. This canal, stretching over two kilometers, runs straight through the city center, dividing the city into a northern and a southern area. The origins of this waterway most likely date back to Roman times, when it served as an important part of the trade route. In the 14th century, this water was also used for brewing beer, among other things. Today, the canal is best known for its double quay, with a wharf and wharf cellars below. These cellars are often home to cafés and restaurants that have cozily extended their terraces onto the quay below.

In this spot in the historic center lies the office building at Oudegracht 34. The building has several bright workspaces and has an archive cellar below that can optionally be rented along with the offices. What makes this office’s neighborhood extra appealing is the mix of living and working in the immediate surroundings. This gives it a lively, informal feel.