In 1981, Dutch architectural studio Oyevaar, Stolle and van Gool (now de Architekten Cie.) designed this former government office in Haarlem, Netherlands. The austere and inward-looking bunker-like building, which was both dated and unappealing, was nearly scheduled for demolition. It was given a new lease of life when the Central Government Real Estate Agency decided to proceed with the building’s renovation and expansion. Beyond Space and MVSA Architects were awarded the project tender in 2020.
Sustainability in every phase
To achieve a sustainable building, a radical overhaul was required. Much more than an afterthought, sustainability was integral to every phase of the project. The building’s transparency was increased, bringing in more daylight and air, and improving the interaction between interior and exterior spaces. An open-plan and flexible layout replaces the interior’s long, closed corridors and small offices. New sustainability requirements, including an upgrade to the energy label A+, and the adoption of circular design principles, were successfully implemented.
Glass bays
The Rijkskantoor Haarlem building, in essence, is a series of interconnected octagonal blocks arranged in a U-shaped plan.
The incorporation of glass bays at the points where the original building facade folded inwards was a significant aspect of the overall transformation. Replacing these recesses with glass bays changed the building from a closed structure into one that is open and inviting, engaging with its surroundings. This intervention improves the building envelope’s sustainability as well as enhancing the building’s usability. The glass bays feature anodised aluminium frames with a subtle golden tint, softening the austere exterior. Moreover, the concrete has been painted in a warm, natural stone colour, elevating the facade.
Minimising construction in the original building
To preserve the existing structure as much as possible, any new construction was kept to a minimum. For instance, the positions of the existing structural stairwells, elevator core, and restrooms were retained. Demolition was employed only in strategic situations where it provided substantial spatial value. Examples include: the creation of an atrium between the multifunctional seating area and the first-floor anchor point; the disassembly of concrete facade elements on the ground floor to increase the building’s transparency and connection with the outdoors. All materials removed from the original building were either repurposed as part of the renovation project or reused elsewhere.
A circular extension
To increase the building’s workspace capacity, a lightweight, sustainable wooden volume, constructed on circular principles, was added to the original structure. The extension sits on top of an existing underground parking garage, thereby eliminating the need for new foundations, which are often one of the most environmentally harmful aspects of a building. The wooden extension is designed to be circular, demountable, and remountable. The extensive use of wood in the structure, walls, and floors adds a fresh, contemporary air, differentiating the extension from the original building. As part of the extension, an interior patio garden is complemented by an exterior staircase, leading to views of the surrounding greenery.
Interior transformation
On the interior, a variety of measures were employed to optimise the amount of natural light. For instance, the use of soft, subtle colours and reflective surfaces, and the removal of parapets and dropped ceilings. The subsequent increase in ceiling heights improves the quality of office spaces.
Exposed concrete walls and monumental octagonal columns were sanded, enhancing the character of the interior.
Colour is used on sight lines and key elements such as the entrance desk and main staircase, improving wayfinding and navigation.
The open-plan and flexible layout is designed to adapt to changing needs, helping to future-proof the building.
Team:
Client: BAM Bouw & Techniek
Architecture & Interior Design: MVSA Architecten + Beyond Space
Project team: Beyond Space: Stijn de Weerd, Remi Versteeg, Arnoud Stavenuiter, Puck Vogelpoel, Rolf van der Leeuw, Tsz Ho Chau, Michiel Hilbrink
Project team MVSA: Kees Stoffels, Freke Schalken, Deniz Kutlu
Landscape Architect: Copijn, Utrecht
MEP Advisor: BAM Advies & Engineering
Photography: Max Hart Nibbrig
