Archello Awards 2025: Open for Entries! Submit your best projects now.
Archello Awards 2025: Open for Entries!
Submit your best projects now.

The Cherry Orchard

Living and Creating in “The Green Heart”

In an old orchard a special project was started to offer artists a place to create, rest and exhibit their artwork. Three 'sheds' were built, harboring spacious studios for artists to live in. As the exterior of the building reminds of the rural past of the location, the interior brings light and a modern approach to the design.


The project Project “Kersenboomgaard (Cherry Orchard)” is an initiative started by SWK Kunsthuisvesting and the Municipality of Utrecht . The buildings have been designed by architect Lars Zwart, architect at op ten noort Blijdenstein. The Architect defines the design as followed: “Referring to the rural past, we designed the homes in three dark sheds, where the interior was to represent the opposite; spacious and light. The big farm doors give a warm welcome to visitors as if to say; Welcome! Art is harvested here!”


Daylight 282 FAKRO roof windows were used to create the light and spacious environment needed for the project. Project manager Marko Gorkink of op ten noort blijdenstein explains why these windows were the perfect match: “It is essential to create a large amount of daylight inside the studios. Not only to provide a pleasant environment for the artist to create in, but also for the clients that come to view the art. FAKRO roof windows are characterized by the integrated ventilation system in the upper frame part of the roof window. This provides a bigger glass surface and a maximum exposure to natural light. Exactly what we needed for the project!”

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