KLM CROWN LOUNGE | A unique airport lounge for KLM and the Netherlands

blog

11-03-2024

The KLM Crown Lounge stands as a sanctuary for globe-trotters, offering a place of retreat, relaxation, and rejuvenation before embarking on their next adventure. It’s more than a lounge; it's a journey through the Netherlands, exuding the essence of the country and KLM. The lounge features furniture that mirrors the polder, the sea, the sky, and the city, all achieved under the strict safety regulations of Schiphol Airport. Herjan gives us an insider's look at this unique project in the latest edition of "5 Questions About: KLM Crown Lounge!"

Zitplaatsen in de KLM Crown lounge met blauwe stoelen en zwarte, leren banken.

Can You Tell Us More About This Unique Project?

BigBrands had the privilege of furnishing the KLM Crown Lounge, commissioned by Concrete Amsterdam. Located at the heart of Schiphol, one of the Netherlands’ most intricate areas, we accomplished this project amidst landing and taking-off planes, mostly during the night. This was a complex, multidimensional challenge in terms of logistics, safety, and execution.

Zitruimte in de KLM Crown Lounge met houten ronde tafels en zwarte en witte stoelen

What Were the Major Challenges?

The complexity of the site posed a significant challenge. Compliance with the stringent security requirements of Schiphol and logistical hurdles added layers of complexity. It wasn’t just about placing furniture; each piece had to be pre-approved by Schiphol authorities. We had to subtly modify existing furniture to ensure it met the airport’s certification standards, including changes to upholstery, foam, and internals.

KLM Crown members lounge met hoge, grijze stoelen en en blauw checkered tapijt.

How Did the Process Unfold?

The journey began in January 2017 with initial contact, and we completed the final furniture installation by the end of 2019. The project progressed in phases as the lounge remained operational, requiring us to work in small increments. The effort involved three internal team members and six to eight external collaborators, working tirelessly day and night to transform the KLM Crown Lounge into a renowned domestic and international living room.

Zithoek in de KLM crown lounge op Schiphol met een zwarte, leren hoekbank en twee bruine leren stoelen om een gedekte ronde tafel.

What’s Crucial in Approaching Such a Project?

Preparation is key, but one cannot always anticipate everything. The essence of a successful project is adapting to circumstances and resilience in the face of unplanned events. BigBrands ensures ample capacity for contingencies, guaranteeing quality and ensuring that customers remain unaware of any unforeseen issues. The project’s success hinged on thorough preparation and managing expectations, especially with numerous parties, dependencies, and interests involved. Being adaptable and resilient is fundamental.

What Are You Most Proud Of?

I am immensely proud of the entire team and everyone involved for their commitment and collaborative efforts to achieve a beautiful end result. I am also proud that we managed to fully retain the design intent of Concrete Amsterdam, despite Schiphol’s rigorous safety requirements. The final outcome is a unique airport lounge that represents both KLM and the Netherlands, and it’s something BigBrands is more than proud to have contributed to.