Renovation Marktpleinkerk Hoofddorp

Craft in a unique look

An impressive wooden structure, a church that remains in use during construction, and a design that builds on the history of the site: the renovation of the Marktpleinkerk in Hoofddorp was not an everyday project. For the professionals of Bouwgroep Horsman & Co, it was exactly the kind of challenge where their talent came into its own.

For more than 130 years, Horsman & Co has been a fixture in the region and a versatile partner for new construction, renovation and daily maintenance. "We are originally a family business, and we will remain so. The new generation is already in place," says project coordinator Michael Draijer. Horsman & Co works for a variety of clients: from housing associations to investors.

A church as a construction site

The Market Square Church has been a landmark in the center of Hoofddorp for decades. The church is intensively used. Not only for church services, but also for concerts, meetings and cultural activities. Precisely because of this versatile function, a renovation was badly needed. The original entrance no longer met the requirements of our time and the building could also do with some more sustainability. The renovation included a completely new entrance, made of wood, and adjustments to the installations. All with respect for the existing building and aimed at a future-proof use.

After a selection round, Bouwgroep Horsman & Co emerged as the ideal construction team partner for this complex project. The cooperation started immediately with an intensive preliminary process: budgets, technical solutions and coordination with suppliers. All within a task-setting budget. "You often see that with a project like this, more time goes into the preliminary process than into the construction itself. But that is also what makes it so special, because there is a lot involved. And that is also where we can show the strength of our construction team: openness, trust and looking for smart solutions together," Draijer said. 

Craftsmanship in a special place

A special feature of this project was the wooden construction, carried out in collaboration with specialist WoodTech. Draijer: "The design was inspired by the original lines of the old church. You can see that history in the new design by architect Liesbeth van der Pol. The wooden trusses are put together like a harmonica. Truly beautiful work." The scale of the project was not necessarily in the number of square meters, but in the complexity. "The church remained in use as much as possible during the renovation. And the design required precision work. You don't build something like that every day." For the craftsmen at Horsman & Co, the perfect opportunity to show what they can do.

Pride in the heart of Hoofddorp

Meanwhile, the renovated church has been completed and is in full use. And that should be seen. "When soon the rest of the square is also addressed, this building will form a beautiful entrance to the center of Hoofddorp. It has really become a picture. An enrichment for the center of Hoofddorp."

For Horsman & Co, this was not a standard job - and that exactly fits its identity. Draijer: "We like to be asked for non-ordinary work. That's where our strength lies and you can see that in the result."