ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL

OFFICE BUILDING PETROLEA

J.H. DE ROOS, W.F. OVEREIJNDER, 1921-1924, Zuid-Hollandlaan 7, Den Haag

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
De Roos & Overeijnder
Herman de Roos
Willem Overeijnder

ARTIST:
Joop van Lunteren

BUILDING TYPE:
Office buildings

This building began life as an entry to a projected competition for a city hall in Hilversum. The design was later offered to the American Petroleum Company, and until 1987 it served as the headquarters of Esso. It has housed a solicitors' office since its renovation in 1989. Viewed from outside, the monumental building looks traditional enough. Yet its brick facades conceal a concrete skeleton and the immense halls are spanned by exposed steel trusses. The 56 metre high tower, leaded windows and light fittings all feature Art Deco motifs.