Listen closely. Did you know that De Klokkenhof in Amsterdam was once exclusively for single working women?
De Klokkenhof isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to a time when affordable housing was scarce. Especially for women. It’s a high-rise building at Surinameplein 53-59. The architect was Cornelis Wegener Sleeswijk and Sijtse Johannes Sophius Wichers. They finished building it in 1962. It stands tall. A striking contrast to the low-lying houses around Amsterdam-Zuid’s Surinameplein. It has fourteen floors and boasts a carillon of 28 bells on its roof. That’s how De Klokkenhof got its name. The bells were cast by the renowned Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry in Asten.
The building’s history is full of intriguing details. The apartments were tiny. Just 3.5 by 5.5 meters. Yet they were considered luxurious in the post-war housing shortage. Many women worked in administration or nursing. Some were even lawyers or doctors. Huibert van Saane a progressive Christian developer had a vision. He wanted to provide housing for single working women. He carefully selected tenants. They had to be between 35 and 50 years old. They needed a steady job. And sharing an apartment was out of the question. Van Saane even personally interviewed potential residents. He wanted to ensure they were respectable women.
De Klokkenhof even had a concierge. The building’s hotel-restaurant Belfort Hotel opened in 1962. It was located on the ground and first floors. This provided work opportunities for some residents. The hotel still occupies part of the building. The apartments may have been small but they offered stunning views. Residents could see across the city or even to the sea on clear days. This added to the building’s unique appeal.
De Klokkenhof’s unique character is further enhanced by a large tile mosaic. It adorns the side facing Surinameplein. This artwork by Jan Goeting depicts Ruth from the Bible. Ruth is shown with sheaves of barley. This is a symbol of her strength and resilience. Perhaps it was a message of hope for the building’s female residents. In 2020 De Klokkenhof became a municipal monument. It’s a symbol of Amsterdam’s history. It’s a reminder of a time when providing affordable housing for single women was a challenge. But also a symbol of success. De Klokkenhof is a place that has weathered the passage of time. Its history continues to resonate even today. It stands as a unique architectural landmark in Amsterdam.