The recently renovated House of Province of Gelderland in Arnhem, Netherlands, has been honored with the prestigious Best Building of the Year Award by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects. This accolade celebrates the successful renovation and expansion project, which aimed to create a modern and sustainable workspace while preserving the historic essence of the original structure.
Harmonizing Old and New
According to Jeroen van Schooten, the architect and director of Team V Architecture, the renovation achieved a seamless integration of design elements, ranging from urban planning to intricate details. The project focused on enhancing the connection between the market square and the Rhine river, achieved through an elevated plaza encircling the buildings. Additionally, new pedestrian routes were introduced, including one passing through the new building, offering glimpses of the Province’s activities. Mirrored aluminum bridges further blur the distinction between old and new, symbolizing the project’s ethos of surprise and connectivity.
Innovative Roof Design
One of the standout features of the renovation is the transformation of the former courtyard into an indoor plaza with an innovative ETFE cushion roof. Designed in collaboration with SIDstudio, the lightweight roof structure minimally impacts the monument while providing a dynamic interplay of light. LED lighting integrated into the roof’s rods creates an ever-changing ambiance, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency goals.
Embracing Historical Significance
Respecting the cultural and historical significance of the House of Province was paramount to the renovation. Van Schooten emphasized the incorporation of characteristic motifs from the original monument, such as the hourglass pattern, into the new building. Notable additions, like the blue staircase serving as both a functional element and a nod to the building’s heritage, further enrich the overall design.
Collaborative Partnership
The renovation project was executed as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), led by VolkerWessels Integraal, with various design firms contributing their expertise. Team V Architecture collaborated with OTH architects, Karres and Brands Landscape Architects, Bureau Fritz, Bartels, SIDstudio, DGMR, and Valstar Simonis to realize the vision of the House of Province.
Recognition and Future Prospects
The exemplary renovation of the House of Province has garnered widespread acclaim and has been nominated for the prestigious EU Mies Arch Prize 2019, further cementing its status as a landmark project in architectural conservation and innovation.
