Site Apostolinnen

The Apostolinnensite is a small-scale inner city development combining restoration, renovation and new construction. At a time when large-scale new-build projects are mushrooming, this project by dmvA Architects is rather an exception. The architects are clearing the inner area to provide more space for the historic main buildings, referring to their medieval background. They are merging old and new by fully respecting and reviving historical elements such as the Somerhuys, the monastery wall, the Pakhuis and the Erkhuys, and by implementing a new building with external stairs. The new building serves as a catalyst for the site and, in combination with the alleys and patios, promotes easy circulation and new access points. Because of their material nature, characterized by rough brickwork with protruding joints, the new additions are a clearly visible feature of the overall structure. The integration of the project into the historic site, the small scale nature, the restoration of the historic urban fabric and the diversity of housing types create a human scale architecture.

This text is based on the project text provided by the architects.