New history for the Cloister Quarter 

Wandering through the convent garden of the Franciscan Sisters in Veghel, the impressive history of the former convent is palpable. Here the sisters lived and fulfilled their social duty for over 180 years. Now the area is ready for a new impulse and the sisters are giving the convent and garden back to the community. LA | Architecten Ingenieurs was given the rewarding task of creating a design with respect for the nuns' philosophy and with space for both housing and care.

"Our design brief includes the transformation of the former and national monumental Motherhouse into 50 modern and social rental apartments and the redevelopment of the national monumental Chapel into a Living Centre," says Hans van den Tillaart, Architect BNA and director at LA | Architecten Ingenieurs. "In addition, we are making the design for seven new residential buildings with more than 500 apartments, under the supervision of former Chief Government Architect Floris Alkemade."

Classic construction

At the entrance to the new residential and living area is residential building San Rufino, which stands head and shoulders above the rest of the buildings and also serves as a "gateway building," Van den Tillaart says. "A dark facing brick gives this building a recognizable base, with light-colored bacon bands making the connection to the adjacent Motherhouse. The light-colored stone also returns in the superstructure and winks in appearance and color at the kloostermoppen (monastery bricks) of yesteryear. Moreover, with a clear base, a centerpiece and a crown, we create a visual rejuvenation and an idiosyncratic stature, in keeping with classical architecture. The building blends very nicely into the historic setting of the area. Only the year 2023 on the facade shows that the building has modern origins."

Back to the community

San Rufino is not only the gateway to the Kloosterkwartier, but also the first building to be completed within this impressive plan. The complete area will not be completed until 2025, but Van den Tillaart is already proud of what his firm has put together in collaboration with client Zenzo, supervisor Floris Alkemade and the sisters. "The sisters have very clearly described the role of the former convent and hospital in the development of Veghel," he says. "It is now up to us to continue this social development, by giving housing and care the place they deserve again."