SWEETS hotel transforms amsterdam's bridge houses into hotel suites

28 different bridge houses, built along and on amsterdam’s canals between 1673 and 2009, have been repurposed as unique hotel suites. for centuries, the small structures accommodated the city’s bridge keepers — individuals responsible for opening the bridges for passing water traffic. many of the buildings were designed by renowned dutch architects, such as hendrik petrus berlage and pieter kramer, and have been realized in distinct architectural styles. however, after the centralization of the city’s bridge control in 2012, the tiny houses fell into disuse.

room 204 – hortusbrug | image © SWEETS hotel/lotte holterman

now, the 28 structures have been transformed into stand-alone suites that form SWEETS hotel. although the structures — some with a floor size as small as 10.5 square meters (113 square feet) — were not designed for people to sleep and shower in, the two-person units are now all equipped with a shower, toilet, and pantry. two of the bridge houses even have a kitchen. owing to their previous function and location, all 28 suites offer guests views across amsterdam’s canals.

room 204 – hortusbrug | image © SWEETS hotel/lotte holterman

the interior of each suite responds to the architectural history of the corresponding bridge house. during the renovation process of ‘amstelschutsluis’ (built in 1673), some historical remnants were found. the design team kept these remnants intact as much as possible. meanwhile, for the interior of ‘hortusbrug’ — pictured above — the team took inspiration from dutch architect and designer gerrit rietveld, playing with typical de stijl-elements while respecting his legacy.

room 103 – buiksloterdraaibrug | image © SWEETS hotel/mirjam bleeker

the hotel officially opened the first 11 bridge houses on march 15, 2018. ten more have since been added and the remaining seven will be completed before the end of 2021. SWEETS hotel is an initiative and co-creation of architecture office space&matter, project development partner grayfield, and seven new things. as SWEETS hotel operates on a self-service system that requires no physical contact, the hotel currently remains open for self-supporting stays during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

room 103 – buiksloterdraaibrug | image © SWEETS hotel/mirjam bleeker