Location: Delft, Netherlands.

Architect: KREUK architectuur.

The Old Library in Delft, a Renaissance-style building designed by J.A.W.Vrijman and built between 1912 and 1915, has been repurposed as a training center for the offshore energy industry. The project team worked with an interior design team to create a modern design while preserving the building’s historic features, such as terrazzo floors, stucco ornaments, and wall paintings. The design principles were based on the building’s history as a library, its existing architecture, and the acoustical problems of the building. The renovated building parts were brought back to their original condition with authentic materials, while the added interior parts and built-in furniture have a modern design. The Dutch offshore sea map is recognizable in the blue printed carpets, and a subtle reference to the offshore industry is made with an overtopping seawave image in the dark blue and rust-colored plates. The BaOpt system is applied in the building, and acoustic bookcases filled with flax ensure comfortable acoustics in the classrooms. The collaboration between KREUK architectuur, BK. architecten, and Stephanie Gieles interieurontwerp has led to the final result, obtained within the stipulated time and budget.

Photo credit: Arnaud Roelofsz, Den Haag.