In the north of Holland, we designed The Broodatelier for a private client: a baker and entrepreneur with a visionary perspective on the future role of bread in our world. In this building, his vision becomes tangible. Visitors can explore the craft of bread-making and reflect on themes such as sustainability, quality, and tradition. We designed a tailor-made building that expresses beauty, artistry, craftsmanship, and human experience.

Subtle yet distinctive The building is both modest and expressive. It respects the scale and proportions of its village surroundings and blends into the streetscape. Toward the street, the silhouette fits seamlessly with the shapes and rooflines of nearby houses. But when walking around it, one discovers a pavilion with its own identity. Subtle shifts in the roof form, a play of open and closed façades, and the ceramic tiles ensure the building looks different from every angle while maintaining a light, unobtrusive presence in its environment.

Craft and collaboration The design and construction were completed under a strict deadline and within a set budget. Aesthetic quality and craftsmanship were central to the project, requiring the full attention of everyone involved. The building was therefore realized in a collaborative construction team, with close cooperation between client, architect, and contractor. Thanks to this intensive collaboration, the building was designed and built in under a year, within budget. Material and technique The timber structure forms the backbone of the building and determines both its shape and its expression. Strategically placed glass openings reveal the circular construction from the outside. The roof is insulated with bio-based materials, and reclaimed concrete slabs (Stelcon plates) have been carefully integrated into the landscape. The façade design includes a subtle colour gradient. A combination of glaze and craquelure gives the building a unique, tactile character and allows it to blend gently into its surroundings.

Innovation and custom solutions Due to the innovative structure and the complexity of detailing, close and integrated collaboration was essential from the start. This allowed us to develop and implement custom solutions early in the process, such as the distinctive roof shape, the intelligent use of the budget, and the bespoke tile. This tile was developed specifically for the project in collaboration with Royal Tichelaar. Together with a landscape architect, we designed the careful integration of the building with its surroundings.

Impact and presence A central ambition was to create a sustainable building with minimal environmental impact. This approach shaped the design at every level. The Broodatelier is energy-neutral, built with a demountable timber frame, and composed of only a few material types, each sustainably or circularly sourced. Its low-maintenance envelope is designed for durability and longevity. Sustainability is not just a technical feature, but an integral part of the building’s presence and identity.
Creative workspace, connection, and inspiration The Broodatelier is, above all, a creative workspace: with two offices on the first floor and a studio on the ground floor. But it is also a space for connection and inspiration. Visitors can take part in workshops, learn about the craft of bread-making, and engage with the owner’s vision of large-scale, sustainable bread production. The owner actively involves other disciplines in his work. In 2019, he curated an exhibition of artworks inspired by bread. Some of these pieces served as inspiration for the design of the building and are now on display in and around The Broodatelier