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Spinoza Hall, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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The former Kromhout Military Base has been in use by Utrecht University since 1992. At present it is an international campus for the University College and the University School of Economics, a place where education and housing are combined.

photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart
photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart

The Spinoza Hall is one of the state monuments of the former base. It is the building which houses the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. The construction of this monument started in 1912 and was completed in 1938 during the extension of the Military Base. It is characterized by its symmetry, prominent roof and vertical windows. The architectural style forms a transition from neo-styles towards a more modern architecture.

photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart
photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart

With the restoration the coherence between past and present has been enhanced doing justice the character of the building. The building has been optimized in terms of use and organization with a clear layout and a good sense of orientation. The most prominent features have been recovered such as the beautiful daylight incidence because of the high windows, the spectacular high space underneath the roof and the clear symmetry. The central corridor has been slightly shifted as well as broadened and by doing so it provides for optimal class rooms on one side of the corridor and bigger lecture rooms and a study landscape on the other side. Adjacent to the corridors fully glazed walls were installed for optimal daylight access throughout the building. As a result of this there are long viewing lines making the interior orderly and spacious enhancing the overall orientation. The symmetry contributes to the optimal flow of traffic in the corridors and staircases. The study landscape was organized underneath the roof which was stripped from low ceilings bringing back the original high space with its characteristic wooden structures.
By carefully dealing with dimensions, materialization and detailing a good, functional and flexible educational building has been established which allows for future alterations without losing the initial concept. Materials are selected on the basis of sustainability and flexibility: minimal impact on the environment and sustainable in use resulting in a long lifespan.
The design has as Breeam-score ‘Very Good’.

photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart
photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart

Team:

Design: Studio RTM, architectuur & onderzoek in collaboration with Maria Haag architectuur

Client: Utrecht University

Contractor: J.P. van Eesteren

Photography: Rob ’t Hart

photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart
photo_credit Rob ’t Hart
Rob ’t Hart

Materials Used:

Flooring: Forbo, Marmoleum, 2,5mm, glued onto Forbo QuickFit Subfloor system

Flooring restrooms and staircases: MOSA tiles, greys 300x300

Doors: Berkvens

Fire doors: Forster Presto 50 E30 (PR, Finger) and Jansen ECO 50 E30

Glass walls: Qbiq, IQ Single

Walls restrooms: MOSA tiles, Global collection 150x150

Ceilings and acoustic wall finishes: OWA Sinfonia and OWA Plan

Interior furniture: Gispen

Caption
Caption

Spinoza Hall Utrecht

Spinoza Hall Utrecht
Hans Morren

For this project QbiQ made a glass wall of no less than 4 meters high, which allowed the monumental building to fully flourish again.

photo_credit Hans Morren
Hans Morren

Knowledge of business and customization are typical strengths of QbiQ.

Ewoud Netten
Studio RTM

photo_credit Hans Morren
Hans Morren
Partition Thickness 20mm (0.79 inch)
Glazed Sections glass seam
Clad Sections -
Section Joins transparent 0-joint
Floor Track 33mm (1.3 inch)
Door Frames DK-58
Doors KDEC
Hinges stainless steel
profielen aluminum RAL7022
Glazing 66a2
photo_credit Hans Morren
Hans Morren
Brand description

Give your IQ free rein at QbiQ

A ‘partition wall system’ has the ring of a standard, off‑the‑shelf solution from the last century. ‘Standard’ is probably the last thing you want for your creative and tech staff’s workspaces. You’re more likely to be looking for rooms that are pleasant to work in and office spaces that reflect exactly what your organization stands for. At QbiQ, we understand this implicitly… we start by putting ourselves in your shoes, and helping you explore the possibilities and come up with the right solution. We’ll be at your side with the expertise and experience to create the spatial experience you’ve envisaged – smart spaces for discerning clients.

 

The most aesthetic solutions conceivable

QbiQ’s glass wall and partition wall solutions are unique in terms of their beauty, transparency and flexibility. You can use them anywhere, and partition and connect spaces as easily as with traditional partition wall systems. Our systems also comply with the most stringent sound transmission standards. At QbiQ, we cut, grind and transport all our glass ourselves, allowing for incredibly fast and flexible delivery times.

Products applied in Commercial , Cultural , Educational , +2
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