The Plantsoen in Leiden is well known for the historical appearance of both the city park (1836) and the houses of the last quarter of the 19th century. The park was originally landscaped on the edge of the city in the place of an old defense belt. At the entrance of the park at the east side the monumental building Plantsoen 1 – 3 is redeveloped in a complex with 6 apartments. The apartments of about 150 m² are provided with all luxury and comfort, such as a private indoor garage, spacious roof terraces and an elevator, while retaining the historical look and value of the building. Redevelopment also applies to sustainability; obtaining Energy label A. Exterior facades, window frames and roof are additionally insulated. The houses are underfloor heated and solar panels are provided on the roof.
The municipal monument at Plantsoen 1 – 3 is divided over three floors and a basement. The property at number 1 was originally a fully detached house, number 3 was part of a block of 3 houses. Both buildings date from 1875 and were connected in 1957 and converted into one large nursing home. In this function change, the original qualities have largely been lost. The round expansion at number 1 dates from 1993.
In the new layout with 6 apartment, the monuments are restored to their former glory by restoration contractor Burgy from Leiden. The façade of the intermediate building is renewed and aligned with the monuments. The existing façade of the round building is finished with a bronze wall cladding, a ‘veil‘ with a leaf motif. This pattern is inspired by the leaf motifs and decorations of the 19th century, which can still be found in various places along the Plantsoen. The round with ‘veil’ becomes a special recognition point in the inner city.
Each apartment has both rooms in the monumental area as well as in the newer parts. The interior of the monumental buildings is provided with appropriate details to bring back the historical character as much as possible. This specific part is provided by Verlaan & Bouwstra architects from Vianen.
On the inside buyers have a lot of freedom of choice; they can choose for an even richer historical finish with wall tension, panelling and en-suite layout or a tight, modern finish and layout; both are possible. Each apartment is unique, has its own layout and its own character. Only the view is the same for all apartments; they all look out over the beautiful monumental city park the Plantsoen at the town canal.
The redevelopment was completed in July 2018.
| Architects | Ronald Knappers |
| Employees | Krijn Tabbers |
| Client(s) | restoration contractor Burgy, Leiden |
Together with restoration contractor Burgy from Leiden, the back house, the garden house of the house at Garenmarkt 9 / 9a, has been completely restored and modernized. The new owner lives in this part. The front house with a number of apartments / studios for rent will remain unchanged for the time being.
The house at Garenmarkt 9, 9a is also popularly known as 'Thorbeckehuis'. The house has one of the largest private backyards in Leiden. In the Secret Annex, the garden house (No. 9a), the liberal statesman Johan Rudolph Thorbecke wrote in 1848 the revision of the Constitution, which turned our country into a constitutional monarchy. Thorbecke has lead three cabinets from 1849. A gable stone in the national monument reminds of the habitation by the liberal statesman and professor of law (1798-1872).
On a piece of wasteland in Leiden between the Lucebert Street and Toussaintkade an apartment building, ‘the Verleyding’ will rise this year. Construction started in March. In the building are 112 rental apartments for young professionals between 18 and 35 years. The properties are suitable for 1- or 2-person households, and have a surface of approximately 30 m2 (one-room apartment) and 45 m2 (two-room apartment).
The project is being developed and built by ten Brinke respectively Real Estate and ten Brinke Bouw. After realization the building owner will be SHWJ, Leiden. The housing design is tailored to the needs of SHWJ.
The building is 12 floors high and will become a landmark in Leiden. The area is bounded by the railway, a pond and a small park. On the park side the building stands on columns. Under the underpass, the entrance and lift are located. Together with the corridor access therefore an efficient plan has been realized, with 10 dwellings per floor. The upper apartments have stunning views over the city. The view can fully be enjoyed through the large windows. The ground level apartments have their own garden. Residents can cross a bridge over water to the park. Parking takes place on private property. The main body is constructed in a rhythm of frameworks of orange brick. The large frameworks ensure that the building looks less massive and joins well in the neighbourhood. The roof shape refers to the adjacent housing, it is finished with aluminium losagnes.
The new faculty OCP of Delft university of technology, accommodates the disciplines of Mechanical, Maritime and Industrial Design. During the constructionworks school continued. The new building shows a contemporary, logical and efficient architectural structure with it's own recognizable facade in the TU-district. The interior design is executed as an integral part of the whole plan.
New hotel formula in Hoofddorp
In 2016, we conducted a study on behalf of CTI (Control Towers International) into the possibilities of accommodating a hotel in an existing office building in Hoofddorp. The detached office building with parking garage at the Kruisweg 106 is part of the business park "de Hoek" in Hoofddorp. The building is a stone's throw from Schiphol and Amsterdam and is easily accessible by car and public transport.
We then made the design for the transformation into a hotel with 133 rooms and various facilities, such as a restaurant, bar and lounge.
Based on the study and design, the zoning plan has been adjusted in consultation with the municipality and an interested market party has been contracted: Centro Hotels from Germany. The design was then fully tailored to Centro's wishes. A completely new, trendy hotel formula for the Netherlands will be introduced in the building; the "Ninetynine-hotel Amsterdam", specifically aimed at the younger target group. Vitamin-E has provided the interior design of the Ninetynine formula on behalf of Centro. The new hotel will be a good addition to the current offer in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer.
The demolition work was carried out in 2017, and in November 2018 the transformation of the existing office building into a hotel started.
