UNStudio completed two retrofit projects in the Netherlands that reinterpret traditional glass technology. One of the projects is located in Eindhoven, while the other is a façade renovation of the P.C Hooftstraat shopping street in Amsterdam. Both projects draw local materials and draw inspiration from local history and culture, aiming to restore and connect existing buildings to their respective urban landscapes, thus attracting more people to visit.
The C&A building is located on 18 Septemberplein Square in the heart of Eindhoven. The UNStudio team modernized the building to enhance its brand value. Explaining the design intent of the project, the UNStudio team said: "In order to make the building lighter, we chose to add glass fixtures to the façade, which is the starting point for the renovation project." Ben van Berkel, founder of UNStudio, said: "Our use of glass on the façade of the C&A building not only makes the overall structure lighter, but also adds a depth change to the existing flat façade. During the day, these glass boxes act as "eyes" to the public square, increasing the building's interaction with the public; at night, the changing lighting installations bring the building to life and illuminate the entire square. “
Another renovation project "Glass Brick Pixel Façade" is located in the P.C amsterdam. Hooftstraat Commercial Street. This unique façade is sourced from locally made haute couture fashion. This translucent façade is made of stainless steel wrapped glass bricks, which fully demonstrates the P.C. The unique personality of Hooftstraat commercial street. The stainless steel glass brick masonry is modeled after the brick wall texture of the traditional house on the upper floor of the building, maintaining the overall consistency of the façade.