The water tower was originally designed by architect J. Kalff as part of the city’s network of fortifications. Its role as the gate to the city center remains unchanged to this day. Its unique place in the Dutch architectural heritage is strengthened by the fact that it is the only water tower in the Netherlands with two flat-steel water reservoirs.
BOEi commissioned ZECC architects to modernize the structure by introducing a mix of functions to its interior. The team came up with a design that included the installation of an elevator, additional floors and a new staircase leading to the top of the tower. The floors in the old water reservoirswere filled with office spaces, meeting rooms, and presentation halls.
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A small, transparent structure, meant to function as a meeting room or event space, was placed on the roof of the tower, offering wonderful views of the medieval city and St. Jan’s Cathedral. New window openings on the two closed facades are clearly distinguishable from the original openings, while at the same time referencing the existing windows with their arched form.
+ ZECC Architecten
Photos byStijnstijl Fotografie
