| Cliënt | Rijksvastgoedbedrijf |
| Location | 's Hertogenbosch |
| Square | 27.000 |
| Timeline | December 2019 - September 2023 |
The building was designed by Charles Vandenhove (1999) and is organised around an impressive square. It features a distinctive brick facade and roofscape. The Dutch Central Government Real Estate Agency (het Rijksvastgoedbedrijf) awarded Construction Combination Dura Vermeer | Croonwolter&dros the contract for the renovation of the Palace of Justice in 's-Hertogenbosch with a renovation design by Fokkema & Partners Architecten.
Amazing in its uniformity the 27.000 meter renovation takes optimal advantage of the building qualities while generating an overall uplifting atmosphere. Long corridors and small private rooms in the Palace of Justice made way for open routes and interconnected spaces. The staff can work quietly and concentrate in a work environment that is easy to navigate. For meetings, they will have elegantly renovated restaurants, meeting rooms and other venues at their disposal, all in keeping with the reputable character of the administration. New and spacious entrance areas for the public services have been designed with attention to safety, clear signage and identity.
Long corridors and private rooms made way for open routes and interconnected spaces.
Light and space
The Government Real Estate Agency and the users of the Palais have been involved in the elaboration of the design. The result? Even more attention to daylight, spacious feel and flexibility; the workplaces can be made larger or smaller as necessary. Thanks to the rearrangement of the building, the building better accommodates related organisations in the realm of justice, such as the Immigration & Naturalisation Service, the Child Protection Board and the Repatriation & Departure Service. Its public representation is enhanced with some alterations to the exterior and with welcoming and transparent service areas.
Comfortable and sustainable
Comfortable, quiet and safe working conditions in a sustainable environment have been the main priorities throughout the renovation project. The quality of the indoor climate has greatly improved; the technical installations are thoroughly renewed, sound insulation has been optimised and aspects of fire safety have been modified.
The materials used to make the interior, such as wood and wool felt, enhance the natural look and feel with increased levels of comfort. The Palace is heated and cooled with a sustainable heat pump; an important step toward a completely gas-free building in the future.
A courteous and sustainable renovation for justice.
Intensive collaborations
The scope and scale of the renovation called for intensive collaboration between the construction and design teams and all parties involved; the Government Real Estate Agency; the Palace users; all its visitors and the people living or working in the vicinity of the Palace of Justice. After all, the building has a prominent location in the city centre, just beside the Den Bosch railway station.
The extensive construction work took place in three successive phases. The building remained in use during the renovation, just as the trials in the courtrooms have continued as usual. This was only possible thanks to the coordination and clear communication with all parties. In short, it has truly been ‘a courteous and sustainable renovation for justice’, the endeavour from its start.
Project partners
Croonwolter&dros, Dura Vermeer, DGMR, Hans Kraan Wayfinding, Keijsers Interiors, VEPA, Edwin Roijers
Art works: Suzie van Staaveren, Marijn van Kreij, Hanne Hagenaars
Photography: Dirk Verwoerd, Lucas van der Wee, Marc Bolsius
