Many houses for Huis 73
Huis 73- library and center for cultural education
The building block Hinthamerstraat 72 and 74 will undergo a major renovation in the coming years. The reason is the fusion of two organisations that for many years have used the existing buildings independently as neighbours, the public library and the centre for art education 'de Muzerije'. The intended collaboration requires spatial adaptations: House 73 seeks as much synergy as possible between the different programmes, spaces and atmospheres. In addition, the renovation is an opportunity to make the existing buildings technically more sustainable, carry out spatial and functional improvements and overdue maintenance, and work on a new interior in line with its use as one House for all. House 73 aims to be a versatile, cultural, pleasant, inspiring place that meets all contemporary requirements.
| location: | Hinthamerstraat, 's Hertogenbosch |
| tender: | 2022 |
| design: | 2022- 2024 |
| realisation: | 2024- 2026 |
| client: | Gemeente 's Hertogenbosch - STEAD Advisory |
| structural engineer: | Goudstikker De Vries, 's Hertogenbosch |
| advisor technical installations: | Nelissen |
| project management: | Steven Van Dijk |
| quantity surveyer: | Basalt |
| acoustics/ building physics/ fire safety: | Peutz |
| advisor lighting: | Joost de Beij |
| advisor wayfinding: | Job Rompa |
Historical drawing front façade Hinthamerstraat (archive 's Hertogenbosch)
Image vision presentation: the monumental main entrance of the existing library regains its original gate and becomes the main entrance to House 73. The new courtyard provides daylight behind the gate.
View from the roof of the cathedral St. Jan: Huis 73 is a city within a city, an entire building block. Left Hinthamerstraat 72, the present library ('bibliotheek'), right Hinthamerstraat 74, the former 'Muzerije', centre for cultural education
House 73 is a varied ensemble consisting of characteristic buildings, city palaces, residential houses, covered backyards and, in the future, a beautiful new enclosed garden. The conversion will change the character of the currently closed building blocks into a permeable piece of the inner city. The conversion will focus on visible programming, shop windows, some new window openings, the (renewed) use of existing doors and the opening of the main gate on Hinthamerstraat. Internal connections between the various properties will also be strengthened. The concept of permeability is thus interpreted broadly within the immutable characteristics of the existing buildings.
With the merger and conversion, the block will be made permeable again and thus given back to the city. The shop window function of the ground floor and the new courtyard garden make a walk through House 73 an interesting urban experience for city residents, tourists and visitors to House 73.
The project is based on several ambitions in terms of historic preservation, urban planning, interior design, appearance and use. Making the eventful history of the various buildings visible again goes hand in hand with the design of an accessible, contemporary, mixed cultural building in which the functions of the library and the centre for cultural education complement and reinforce each other.
The composite building block has grown with the times over the centuries having been used as a palace of justice, a school, a place for the elderly and a bishop's residence. Changing views on how to deal with its functions, interiors and its architecture of the existing buildings have left traces in and on them. The different layers of time found in the buildings shape the character of the ensemble. Traces of conversions carried out from the 15th century to the 21st century basically all remain present and more or less legible.
House 73 presents itself as a contemporary, light, inviting and friendly ensemble. The outdoor space itself is charming, serves as a place to meet and stay, and is suitable for outdoor performances.
Through some well-considered interventions in both building blocks, the individual buildings, especially the interior facades around the partially roofed courtyards and the many different interiors become more experienceable. At the same time, a new interior concept binds the buildings together. As a result, existing spatial differences become productive and meaningful. The aim is to eliminate the division into two entities and strengthen the sense of unity in diversity of the entire building block.
In the 1970s, the courtyard of H72 was covered with a roof that has reached the end of its lifespan. It will be removed allowing for the restoration of the main entrance as an open gate. The southern part of the courtyard remains open as an open courtyard. It can be used for meetings and concerts, but also as a quiet place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A new building block on the northern half of the courtyard addresses the visitor with an open front: its façade is designed as an inviting entrance with generous canopy and wide frontage. Its roof will be designed as a green roof garden with a terrace.
As part of a major refurbishment in 2008, the former courtyard of H74 was also given a glass roof which, together with some structural additions from the same period, is preserved.
The palette of colours and materials is calm and natural, matching the domestic character of the existing properties.
The new interior for House 73 is conceived as the soft, colourful lining of a warm, old coat. The lining ensures that the spaces can be used again for years to come. The design matches the character differences of the existing buildings and mediates between monuments and new uses. The overall look is fresh, bright and at the same time warm and homely. The interior facilitates use, ensuring that the existing buildings and the frequent art displays, changing exhibitions and the changing preferences and needs of the users are properly reflected.
