The North Holland Archives are located in the centre of Haarlem and consist of three linked buildings around a garden courtyard. The garden side of the pre-existing reading room was replaced by a bronze-coloured facade construction with a central main entrance directly opposite a magnificent old copper beech. The new elevation conforms to the height of the string courses of the former orphanage. The reading room is cadenced by a steel construction of columns and continuous beams. The new furniture, positioned between the columns as freestanding objects, is made of clear-stained oak. Light fittings, table frames, handles and labels are in brown powder-coated brass. The limited palette of materials and the rigid arrangement of the furniture creates a balance between a generous public space and an intimate reading room.
Project
:
North Holland Archives
Location
:
Haarlem
Design phase 1
:
2010- 2013
Design phase 2
:
2015-
Status
:
Built
Client
:
Rijksgebouwendienst
Signage
:
Stout/Kramer
Photography
:
Karin Borghouts
Winner ARC-Award 2013
:
Nomination Lieven De Keypenning