© 2022 Stevens Van Dijck
Design: Flinder | Web development: Kroes Media
Assignments are accepted and performed in accordance with the general terms and conditions of The New Arrangement 2011 revised version 2013.
Sector
Services
Project Type
Client
Location
Architect
Advisors
Contractor
Surface
Project period
delivery
Project Managers
The building complex at Hinthamerstraat 72 and 74, consisting of two nationally listed historic buildings located at the foot of St. John’s Cathedral and alongside the Binnendieze waterway in the Jheronimus Bosch Quarter of ’s-Hertogenbosch, has undergone an extensive transformation in recent years.
The redevelopment was prompted by the merger of two organisations that had long occupied the neighbouring buildings independently: the public library and the arts education centre, De Muzerije. As these organisations evolved into a single cultural institution, there was a growing need for a building that could support their shared ambitions and create stronger connections between culture, education, creativity and community engagement.
The renovation encompassed the restoration, refurbishment, redevelopment and interior reconfiguration of both buildings, transforming them into a valued and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. The objective was to create a vibrant cultural and educational hub where services, activities and experiences come together in an inspiring and accessible environment.
Today, Huis73 is the largest cultural organisation in ’s-Hertogenbosch and serves as an inclusive place for everyone. It provides opportunities for learning, creativity, personal development and social interaction, while also contributing to participation, integration and community cohesion. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy literature, visual arts, dance, theatre and music, while being inspired to create, learn and share their own stories.
Stevens Van Dijck was responsible for the project management and construction supervision of this ambitious redevelopment project. Working closely with the municipality, design team and end users, Stevens Van Dijck guided the transformation of the historic complex into a future-proof cultural facility where heritage, sustainability and innovation come together. The result is a dynamic environment in which historic character and contemporary use reinforce one another, creating a lasting asset for the city and its residents.
Huis73 is the largest cultural organisation in ’s-Hertogenbosch and is truly open to everyone. It provides opportunities for people to develop self-reliance, participate actively in society, integrate, and strengthen social connections. The environment invites both young and old to engage with literature, visual arts, dance, theatre, and music, while encouraging them to create, learn new skills, and share their own stories.
As a vibrant cultural hub, Huis73 offers spaces for activity and interaction, but also for reflection, study, work, and relaxation. It is designed as a future-proof and innovative environment where heritage and contemporary use come together seamlessly within a sustainable building.
Following the renovation, Huis73 has become a place where culture, knowledge, and creativity converge. The carefully restored historic buildings now support a diverse range of activities, while providing a welcoming and accessible setting for all residents of the city. By combining the functions of a public library and a centre for arts and cultural education, Huis73 serves as a dynamic platform for learning, creativity, talent development, and community engagement.
The project demonstrates how historic buildings can be successfully adapted to meet contemporary needs. Old and new coexist harmoniously, creating an inspiring destination that contributes to the social, cultural, and economic vitality of ’s-Hertogenbosch while remaining sustainable and relevant for future generations.
The renovation focused on creating a visible and inviting programme, both inside and outside the building. This included the addition of new shopfronts, several new window openings, the reuse of existing doors, and the reopening of the main gateway on Hinthamerstraat. In addition, the internal connections between the various buildings were strengthened. The concept of permeability was applied extensively throughout the existing building complex, transforming previously closed urban blocks into an accessible and integral part of the city.
The project pursued ambitious objectives in the fields of heritage conservation, urban design, interior architecture, appearance, and functionality. The rich history of the buildings has been made visible once again, combined with the creation of an accessible, contemporary, and multifunctional cultural institution. Here, the functions of the public library and the centre for arts and cultural education complement and reinforce one another.
The design, created by Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten, was based on the restoration of all visible exterior elements, with a strong emphasis on preserving historic materials wherever possible, including timber window frames and traditional masonry. The result is a carefully renovated and future-proof building complex that respects its heritage while supporting a vibrant cultural programme for generations to come.
© PHOTOGRAPHY:
© 2022 Stevens Van Dijck
Design: Flinder | Web development: Kroes Media
Assignments are accepted and performed in accordance with the general terms and conditions of The New Arrangement 2011 revised version 2013.
