Arup, OMA and Dok Architects to oversee Binnenhof renovation

26 May 2017 Consultancy.uk

The Binnenhof, an iconic Dutch government building, is in dire need of renovation following centuries of almost constant use. The renovation, which is set to start in 2020, will take six years to complete with a maximum cost of €475 million. Arup, OMA and Dok Architects have been tasked with overseeing the design and delivery of the restoration.

Situated in Den Hague in the Netherlands, The Binnenhof is today one of the key meeting places of the Dutch government. It houses the States General of the Netherlands, the Ministry of General Affairs and the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The building has had a long history, since its founding in the 13th century, including the residence for the counts of Holland, before becoming part of the political establishment in 1584.

While the building continues to function as a key support for the political process in a tried and tested way, the building itself is fraying at the edges. Issues faced by the historic structure include leaking roofs and rotting wood, as well as a variety of other technical and structural defects.

Back to its former glory

To return the building to its former glory, a large-scale renovation programme has been launched. The programme, which is scheduled to start in 2020, is set to take five to six years to complete, with an estimated maximum cost of €475 million.

Three external companies have been hired to support the renovation project: engineering consultancy firm Arup, and architects from Rotterdam-based OMA and Dok Architects.

Joop Paul, a Director at Arup, has been tasked with leading the engagement and coordinating between the various stakeholders, including Ellen van Loon (OMA) and Liesbeth van der Pol (Dok Architects).

Commenting on the project, Paul stated, “The renovation of the Binnenhof is necessary to to improve fire safety and repair major defects, such as leaking roofs and rotting wood. The team is also looking at a number of areas including technical installations, ITC and security. In addition, improvements will be made to the entrances, kitchens and restaurants.”