HOUSE A12

Located within the historic Hembrugterrein, Building A12 has been reimagined as a vibrant home for two families with children, marking a remarkable transformation from its origins as a military sanitary facility. Once a utilitarian structure serving personnel at a nearby shooting range, the 100-year-old building had stood decommissioned since 2003, awaiting a new purpose. Now, through the efforts of the clients, it has been reborn as a unique residential space, blending heritage and modernity.

From 1895, the site housed the Artillerie Inrichtingen, producing firearms and ammunition for the Dutch army. During World War I, it became a bustling hub, employing 8,500 workers. However, its fortunes waned after near destruction in World War II, leaving the area to succumb to nature. Decades of abandonment saw the buildings fall into disrepair, with only a few creative entrepreneurs venturing into the secluded terrain. Building A12’s restoration is a testament to the site's resilience and its capacity for reinvention.

One of the greatest challenges in adapting the bathhouse, originally designed with only showers and toilets, was addressing the issues of light and views. The small, high-placed windows created a dim interior and disconnected the building from its picturesque surroundings. To overcome these limitations, the design introduces a series of bold interventions that respect the building’s heritage while enhancing its livability.

Key to the transformation is the addition of corner patios, which bring morning and evening sunlight deep into the homes. These sunken gardens form the heart of the living spaces, creating a dynamic interplay between indoors and outdoors. The patios also reduce the depth of the building, allowing for larger windows and doors to be incorporated without compromising its historical integrity. This volumetric approach, akin to a checkerboard, balances areas of subtraction and elevation. The result is a layout that maximizes light, air, and connection to the outdoors while preserving the building’s essence.

The upper floor, with its pitched roof, pays homage to the original roofline, integrating new bedrooms and private spaces for the families. This sensitive addition ensures the historic character of Building A12 remains intact, while its functionality as a modern home is fully realized. Nature plays a central role in the project’s identity. The building’s facades are adorned with climbing plants, creating a living, breathing exterior that mirrors the surrounding Hembrug forest. The roof has been transformed into a biodiverse habitat of grasses, herbs, and wildflowers, connecting the structure to its natural context. These green interventions not only enhance the building’s sustainability but also provide visual continuity with the adjacent landscape.

By marrying historical preservation with forward-thinking design, the transformation of Building A12 breathes new life into a forgotten relic. It exemplifies how adaptive reuse can honor the past while creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring for future generations.