Architects pair creativity with construction knowledge

"The construction of Heracles Almelo's Erve Asito Stadium has opened many doors for us in the Twente region and beyond," says architect/director Norbert Lienesch.

Together with his partner Joost Perik, Norbert Lienesch founded pr8 architects in 2009. "That was in the midst of the financial crisis, but thanks to our working method we soon managed to attract great clients," Lienesch reveals. "In the current market, with a growing number of 'Design & Build' assignments, the collaboration between client, architect and contractor has become much more intense. In addition to creativity, we have a great deal of architectural knowledge, which allows us to spar well with contractors about a design. In addition, we need little information to arrive at a visualization of a realistic and achievable design in a short time, with which we can surprise our clients."

A good example of a recent "Design & Build" assignment is the realization of Sporthal De Fakkel in Losser. "We were asked to design a future-proof and sustainable sports facility in the middle of the city center. The incorporation into the existing context provided quite a task, architecturally and urbanistically. Sustainability was ensured by keeping the entire roof free of installations. Solar panels were laid there, providing sustainable electricity not only to the sports hall but also to part of the surrounding area."

Heracles

One of pr8's recent projects of which he is most proud is the construction of the current Erve Asito Stadium of professional soccer organization Heracles Almelo. "In architecture, projects are mainly awarded on the basis of feeling and trust," Lienesch explains. "We already knew each other from another project and were convinced that Heracles and pr8 would be a good match. Partly in view of the long process, a pleasant cooperation played an important role, because, of course, building should above all be fun."

At the stadium, pr8 architects have increased spectator capacity with the design of a second ring, among other things. In addition, the business club facilities, offices, locker rooms and facilities have been modernized. "Participating in the construction of a soccer stadium is quite special, especially since there are few such large stadiums. The project has created a lot of brand awareness and therefore opened many doors for us, in the Twente region and beyond: including Van der Valk and Holland Casino in Utrecht, the Voiceworks office building in Almere, and recently the Kees Smit Garden Furniture distribution center in Almelo. The latter will be a building with a footprint of ultimately 120×350 meters over several floors, including a logistics center, offices and an Experience Center: truly a huge project."

Transformation

Although Lienesch is eager to get more sports stadiums under control, he also speaks with enthusiasm about the transformation of the Drienerstaete apartment complex in Hengelo. "This was an old and gray concrete office colossus that we transformed into a complex with 29 luxury apartments," he explains. To do this, the building was completely stripped down to the shell, leaving a floor structure with columns. In addition, the east wing was demolished to create more space on the site. "Per floor, we designed seven luxury apartments in the renovated building, each with a different layout. The facades were completely redesigned in masonry to connect with the adjacent neighborhood."

For the next few years, he hopes to have more such special projects. "The size and allure of our projects has grown in recent years and we are proud of that. In addition, I am happy with the fact that most of the employees have been with us from the beginning. We have a permanent team where the lines are short and we are well attuned to each other. That works very pleasant for us, which is why becoming bigger is not the first priority. We prefer to stay ourselves."