BUILDING
A historic diamond factory: The BOAS building
In 1990 Gassan Diamonds moved into the Boas building designed by the highly successful architect J.N. Meyer. The diamond factory, which used to be powered by steam, was built in 1897. This diamond cutting factory is where Samuel Gassan, founder of Gassan Diamonds, learned how to cut diamonds.
The building's contruction
J.N. Meyer was not just a famous architect in his day. He had also trained as a mechanical engineer and was aware of the latest construction techniques of the time. However, the structure of the main and auxiliary buildings of the Boas factory was not considered extremely innovative. With its imposing eighty-metre-wide facade, the Boas building was built in the traditional style of Amsterdam houses, a style developed in the late Middle Ages that involved the use of wooden supporting beams. The decorative wall irons are typical of the late 19th century.
The Boas building clearly differs from what you would expect of factory constructions from the 1860s, when iron beams with cast-iron anchor plates were used to keep the bricks together. The fact that this new technique, which was so well suited for factory buildings, was not used is noteworthy.
Amsterdam residential style
As was usual in 1897, Meyer tried to hide the factory function to the greatest possible extent by means of decorative masonry and Neo-Classical details. These helped to obscure the building’s true nature. The decoration is restrained. Meyers built the owners’ residences and guest apartments on either side of the central building with its hall and stairways. This symmetry gives the building a commanding front view.
Neo-classical details
The centre block juts out; the entrance gate is highlighted by means of the rustic stuccowork surrounding it, which was inspired by the Place Vendôme in Paris. There are a number of eye-catching, clearly Neo-Classical features. The first floor bears extensions in the form of scroll capitals. The decorative flat corner pillars and worked frames divide the facade into three horizontal parts.
The boiler house
The characteristic, big factory chimney, which is 33 metres high, and the boiler house, were impossible to hide due to their sheer size and still exist today. The boiler house now accommodates de Porceleyne Fles and a cafe , where our guests can enjoy a cup of coffee after their tour of the diamond factory. The building is also perfectly suited for a range of special events.
