Japan meets the Netherlands

Mizuho headquarters

assignment
A new head office: Mizuho to the core, with a Dutch twist
results

global Mizuho Bank identity, but with a local touch

layout: open plan yet discreet

designed for European and Japanese customers

fully compliant with bank security and privacy requirements

assignment
The building that housed Mizuho Bank was given a new purpose. This meant the bank had to move to a new building. Mizuho Bank commissioned us to design Mizuho Bank's European headquarters in the Zuidas district, Amsterdam's lively international business centre. The office building had to tie in with the corporate look of Mizuho offices in other world cities.
our approach
Cherry blossom trees and Dutch national colour
Without losing sight of the look and feel of Mizuho Bank, we created a fresh design that blends Japanese refinement and cutting-edge Dutch Design statements: 'Japan meets the Netherlands'.
The colour palette is based on warm greys with dark and light wooden elements. These colours form the backdrop for the corporate colours of Mizuho Bank: red and blue. We added two new hues to this basic palette: pink as a reference to Japanese cherry blossom trees and orange, the Dutch national colour.
Light, fresh and bold statements
The Japanese have a preference for refined wood species. Therefore, we mixed light, fresh ash with warm walnut. We transformed the door handles and contours of the brightly coloured furniture doors into bold design statements that the Netherlands is known for. The plank supports in the entrance hall and the waiting areas have been finished with refined details. The planks are folded to expose the blue colour. Red metal wire was threaded through the planks for additional stability.

As a design statement we used bright colours for the handles with a special detailing that runs into the frame of the doors.

The dew-pattern offers visual privacy
Morning dew is very common in both the Netherlands and Japan due to high humidity and cold temperatures. The concept of morning dew formed the inspiration for offering visual privacy to the meeting rooms. The dew-patterned window film adds a beautiful, soft element to the corporate environment.
The dew theme is translated into a dot pattern that is applied to the windows for privacy. This adds a lovely soft touch to the corporate environment.
The dew theme is translated into a dot pattern that is applied to the windows for privacy. This adds a lovely soft touch to the corporate environment.
Each space has its own identity
The office building boasts an entrance hall, several meeting rooms with open-plan and enclosed office spaces, and a lunch area with coffee corner. Each space has its own identity depending on the function, which is expressed in the chosen colours and materials. Calming colours and texture-rich materials pull the different areas together while preserving their distinctive nature.

team

Lieke Genten
architect & interior architect | partner
Bart van Ham
architect | project manager
Luis Monteiro
architect | image maker

visit this place?

A beautiful fusion of the corporate identity with a local touch. Would you like to see for yourself how the special details and refined materials come together? Call Lieke for an appointment.

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