Article source: Houben / Van Mierlo Architecten

Diagonally opposite the county hall in Den Bosch stood the former Rijkswaterstaat office building (1977). It was built in a brutalist, no-nonsense concrete architecture, but placed within the neighbourhood with surprising sensitivity and modesty, as if it were a guest. Yet it is here to stay.

The character of this building, with its strikingly heavy construction, projections and special concrete details, was reason enough to redevelop it in a sustainable way. From an urban development perspective, it was also important not to add any (new build) volumes to this location. The main question was how this building, which was socially isolated within the area, could be transformed into a building that was no longer a guest, but an integral part of the neighbourhood.

Image Courtesy © René de Wit

• Architects: Houben / Van Mierlo Architecten
• Project: Schubertsingel Den Bosch Office Building Transformation
• Location: Bolduque, The Netherlands
• Photography: René de Wit
  
• Client: MWPO, ’s Hertogenbosch
  

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