(Too) crazy facade construction for Amsterdam's new study paradise

From Waalwijk, the façade construction professionals of MGB Cladding Systems set off for our capital city. The goal? To provide the library of the University of Amsterdam with a completely new look. The specialists are turning the architect's design into reality, with a dazzling study paradise as the end result.

'Complex engineering, simple solutions'. That's the slogan of MGB Cladding Systems. "You regularly see buildings where you think, 'how on earth are you going to get this built?'" says director Peter Verhoofstad. "Even the architects sometimes think that during the design process. We make it a sport to make buildings look as complex as possible, but keep them very simple behind the scenes." And MGB Cladding Systems is also applying this philosophy to the renovation of the university library.

The showpiece

The facade of the library is getting a complete makeover. Visitors will be welcomed by a facade screen full of bronze-colored letters that form Martinus Nijhoff's phrase "Just read, it doesn't say what it says" in 24 languages. But MGB's showpiece will come on the inside of the building. "The core of the library will be a tree from the basement to the roof," Verhoofstad says.

"This tree houses a staircase and will have branches in the form of walkways and workstations." This work of art made entirely of aluminum will be a real eye-catcher and perfectly exudes MGB's craftsmanship and creativity. In addition, the company is responsible for the entrance to the renovated bicycle shed and the other railings and ceilings. Again, all made of durable aluminum.  

A logistical feat

From the design process to realization, MGB is involved in the project. "We make all the designs at the drawing board in Waalwijk," explains Verhoofstad. "Our own people then go to Amsterdam to make these drawings a reality." 

But our capital city remains a challenge. "The narrow, busy streets don't make it easy for us. We first bring our stuff from Waalwijk to Amsterdam North, then it goes by boat to a place about 150 meters from the construction site. There again a crane takes everything to its destination. So logistically too, this project is not a one-two punch," says Verhoof-stad. According to him, that is precisely what makes this project so much fun: "We make crazy things. That's what we do and it can't be crazy enough for us. So this particular and exciting project might become one of our favorites."