Architectural shopping and office complex is the new icon in Utrecht

Old glory revives on the corner of Oudegracht and Lange Viestraat in Utrecht. The renovation of House Modernes is complete. In mid-September Heilijgers Bouw delivered the retail and office complex designed by ZZDP Architects to a satisfied client Syntrus Achmea Real Estate & Finance and the tenants. At the location where Galeries Modernes once created a furor as a fashionable department store, there is now an architectural structure with nine floors of stores, restaurants and unique workplaces, with a publicly accessible bicycle storage facility underneath. The precise reconstruction of the facade was perhaps the greatest challenge, although various parts inside were also renovated or replaced.

The former Galeries Modernes with its large glass facade and clean horizontal lines, designed by architect Dirk Brouwer, was once an icon in Utrecht. Over the years, however, the building had completely ruined. "This building has an interesting building history background. Synthrus Achmea Real Estate & Finance wanted to have it restored to its original state as accurately as possible, taking into account current insulation and energy performance requirements.  

Moreover, it used to be one big department store with separate entrances for staff, public and logistics services, while it will now be a multifunctional building with multiple functions and tenants," said architect Adam Smit. "Preparations were started back in 2012, but for various reasons the project was put on the back burner only to restart at the end of 2018. Construction started at the end of November 2019 and in mid-September a new icon with a total area of about 12,429 sq. ft. LFA with offices and stores opened. In the basement are a publicly accessible bicycle parking of 1,450 m² and space for leisure (999 m² LFA)."

Facade restored to its former glory

Main contractor Heilijgers Bouw began preparatory work and demolition of the non-structural parts, such as interior walls, doors and ceiling tiles, in November 2019. The aging screeds and six escalators were removed, followed by the elevator shafts and steel structures. Since the reinforcement of the concrete had deteriorated, parts of the concrete floor also had to be removed or repaired. New elevators were installed and the imposing stone staircase, which had been retained from the second floor, was also completely restored to the first floor.

"The precise reconstruction of the facade was perhaps the greatest challenge. Working closely with architect and building historian Frank Smit, a lot of architectural research was carried out, and using old drawings, we searched for the right colors and materials. While we initially assumed that all ceramic tiles were the same color, it became clear that two colors, white and light gray, were actually used. The existing facade was completely demolished, the blue cladding was removed and the window frames were replaced with new slim steel frames with high-efficiency glass. The balustrade railing on the balcony was also meticulously reconstructed by the facade builder based on photos from the past," Smit explained. "Due to the demolition work, some original elements, such as a masonry truss, became visible again. However, the bricks to restore that penant are no longer made. However, they were used at the time by architect Willem Dudok in some projects, such as Hilversum's town hall, and thanks to that town, those bricks could still be recovered."

Huzarenwerk

The result can be seen. The construction partners did everything possible to fulfill the client's wishes and thus realized a daring feat. Since the building is located at one of the busiest points in Utrecht, the logistics also had to be well prepared. Nothing was left to chance to ensure that everything ran smoothly and safely.  

Interplay of disciplines

In House Modernes, Van den Pol Elektrotechniek was responsible for the complete E-installation. "Only the transformer remained; the rest was built new and sustainable," says project manager Roelf van Wolfswinkel. The lighting, communication and evacuation systems were also realized by Van den Pol. "The load-bearing concrete structure is in plain sight, as are all the installations. These thus form a real eye-catcher."

Inner-city projects are familiar territory for the Montfoort-based E-specialist. "House Modernes is a good example of this. Located in the heart of Utrecht, along the canal and the busy Lange Viestraat, there was no room for a construction site. Hoisting in from the roof via breached voids proved to be a clever solution by Heilijgers."

Safety Culture Ladder

Safety received a lot of attention, both in view of the environment and due to the tight construction site. "As one of the first installers, Van den Pol was certified to step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder. Everyone in the company has followed a training program. When it comes to safety perception, this has brought us a lot."

Knowledge Advantage

After the shell is completed, Van den Pol will remain active in House Modernes. "For Spaces, tenant of the office floors, we realize all E-facilities and lighting. The knowledge of the building is a great advantage in this, especially in a complex project like this." Restaurant KAUAI and the Aldi on the first floor will also be installed by Van den Pol. "The Retail Department has been working for this supermarket chain for many years. Our various disciplines come together nicely in this striking building."

Construction Info

Client Syntrus Achmea Real Estate & Finance, Amsterdam
Architect ZZDP Architects, Amsterdam
Main contractor Heilijgers Bouw, Amersfoort