New life for The Brinkhof. Architectural puzzle

The Brinkhof in Apeldoorn has a rich history. The 1977 building was a collective complex for housing, offices and stores. Grehamer & Company is preserving the building for the future and commissioned I'M Architects to create 167 homes in De Brinkhof.

The complex is nearly 20,000 m2 in size and has a parking garage that was originally intended as an atomic shelter. Later, the famous Apeldoorn pub La Cave (later: Paddock) sat here. After the transformation, De Brinkhof features many different types of housing. The studios, lofts and two- to four-bedroom apartments range in size from about 35 to 120 m2. There is a variety of outdoor spaces, from French balconies and gardens to very spacious terraces. The stepped forms of the building, with unique shapes and angles, make each apartment unique.

Maintain and improve

Architect Lieke te Biesebeek of I'M Architects: "It is a shame that such a large building in a good visible location is allowed to deteriorate, fortunately this developer has taken up the challenge to give quality back to this. We do more assignments for Grehamer & Company and it's an interesting puzzle every time. Every existing building is different. With this project we set the goal of preserving what is good and improving where needed."

I'M Architects mapped the situation. "First of all, the question is, what is there now? We dissected the building, so to speak. It is a beautiful and interesting building, with articulation and bay windows. Inside, it was a puzzle, especially because of the installations and existing structures. For us, the challenge was to create as many homes as possible in The Brinkhof. These became many different homes, in order to make the best use of the space. Particularly in the many view spots where offices were located, we were able to realize larger homes."

Greening in urban environments

The Apeldoorn building received a much-needed aesthetic upgrade: "The facades have been cleaned and the building has also been given a more subdued color. The wood on the facade has been replaced by Trespa Pure. The wood look of this product provides a luxurious and warm appearance. In addition, the material is very easy to maintain." The green vision was also very important to I'M Architects. "The Municipality of Apeldoorn wants to go green, the question was how we could contribute to this with a very stone building and ditto environment," said Te Biesebeek. "One way we did this was to design the wide sidewalk on the first floor as gardens as much as possible." The greening continues on the facade. In addition to the gardens on the first floor, greenery has also been provided on the existing balconies. This has given the entire building a green look. On the inside of The Brinkhof, residents have a shared courtyard garden and roof terrace. "The potential of The Brinkhof is now being utilized to its fullest potential," said Dr. K. K., president of The Brinkhof.