The city quarter ‘de Muntel’ is one of the first urban extensions of the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Because the urban structure is still intact and enhanced by the much loved and flawless original architecture of the 1930’, the entire quarter is appointed as a national conservation area.
The focal point of this quarter, located on one of the most important access routes to the historic city centre, was built in 1930. The complex of duplex houses was built in a traditional style in brick with wooden window-frames and a pitched roof. It had a cubistic accent in the middle of the block. The building got outdated and run down and needed to be replaced.
The site is beautiful situated. On one side it lays in the former firing range of the Citadel (built in 1637) and the other side is adjacent to a green belt, the former boundary of the quarter. Due to its protective status the building mass, the height, appearance and use of materials and detail, should be preserved. At the same time, an equal number of housing units was requested by the principal, a housing corporation, with larger living areas, extra storage spaces and the possibility of private parking on the tight plot. This paradox was the biggest challenge in the design. The new building block contains a wide variety of homes which differ in typology, size, lay-out and price: ground-access family dwellings, loft apartments, single apartments and some commercial spaces.
An elaborate analysis of ‘de Muntel’ delivered a toolbox which was used for the composition of the sculptural form of the building and the outspoken masonry details. Bricks in two colours have been used. The dark brown bricks are placed vertical and form ridges thus making a reference to the demolished roofing tiles.
The rich detailing and the expressive block-composition provide an effortless scaling of the building block. Thus the building acquires its focal point not only in the quarter but also in fabric of the city. Finally a real urban access to the historic centre is being formed.
The artwork in the hall is made from the three historic facade stones from the original building, by artist Karin van Pinxteren.
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