zuidkoop – the netherlands

Category: Large Indoor Greenery

At the iconic Infinity building in Amsterdam, famous for its flowing glass façade and striking architecture, courtyard gardens were once a signature part of the original tenant’s design. Over time, these lush spaces were removed by subsequent occupants.

When our client took over the space as the new tenant, they wanted to bring nature back to the heart of the building. Not only as a design statement but also as a functional part of a modern workplace. Their goal: to combine lively green indoors with a dynamic work café, an environment that supports connection, relaxation and productivity.

Interior designer Casper Schwarz developed a design that reinvented the central atrium as a flowing landscape of greenery and human interaction. We were invited to contribute to the green design and implementation, carefully integrating the planting into the architectural vision.

A key element of the concept was the reuse of the original tree boxes. These large defining elements, which once housed tall interior trees, were partly transformed into recessed seating areas and partly serve as new planters. This dual function allowed us to create layered green spaces that feel immersive and inviting, without disrupting the spatial logic of the atrium. We introduced a combination of tall, elegant trees and mid- to low-level planting to shape peaceful, garden-like zones within the lively café setting. The variety in plant heights and textures creates a rhythm that balances openness with intimacy, offering users different experiences depending on where they sit or move through the space.

One of the most striking features is the use of green roofs on top of the enclosed meeting rooms. These roof gardens contain both ascending and descending plantings that subtly fall over the edges of the structures and can be experienced through the glass walls. This means that the greenery is not only visible from above, but also part of the visual experience in the meeting rooms themselves. It is a subtle but effective way of blurring the boundary between buildings and nature.

The result is an environment where people feel at ease, whether they are relaxing, holding informal meetings or simply walking through the space. The greenery is not just decoration, but a deliberate layer that improves acoustics, supports indoor climate regulation and contributes to users\’ mental well-being.

This project is a powerful example of how large-scale indoor planting can be reintegrated into existing architecture in a contemporary way. By honoring the original spatial qualities while responding to new functional needs, we have created an interior landscape that is both timeless and alive.

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