i29 renovates a historical building from 1788 to create restaurant felix in amsterdam

interior architecture studio, i29, has brought a contemporary touch to amsterdam‘s historical felix meritis building to create a new dining space, which opened its doors to the public on january 30th 2020. combining modern elements with the original architecture, which dates back to 1788, the recently completed ‘restaurant felix’ is a tasteful renovation that embraces the original function as a place for the city’s cultural society.

all images courtesy of i29

i29 was commissioned by investment group amerborgh to renovate the entire interior of felix meritis. in collaboration with a team of advisers, the resulting design directly reflects the buildings past as each room refers to a specific period in its history. restaurant felix is defined by the dreamy, pastel-colored clouds that paint the walls. this tactile surface acts both functionally to provide superb acoustics while also acting aesthetically as a reinterpretation of a typical dutch sky. 

the space boasts the original high ceilings

to form the interior, i29 enlisted the help of textile designers buro belén, who matched custom designed textiles, materials and colors. a light installation hangs from the ceiling as a modern ‘chandelier’ and connects the restaurant with the reception area to create a grand entrance. the complete felix meritis building will be opened on march 20th 2020.

contemporary design meets historic architectural elements 

overview of the restaurant

bar detail

the dreamy wall covering brings color to the space

detail of the light installation

furniture detail

bar detail

detail

the entrance

the façade of the felix meritis building

project info:

project name: restaurant felix

location: amsterdam, the netherlands

design: i29

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom