From industrial production halls to lively live-work areas
Innovation and dynamism have been a common thread throughout the history of the Van Gendthallen in Oostenburg, Amsterdam. Built for the production of 40 steam locomotives and 400 train wagons for South Africa, it was bustling with industrial activity from the very start. The complex consists of five connected halls, which were built in three phases between 1898 and 1910. The halls lost their original function in the mid-’90s and have since been used for various purposes such as housing Mediamatic Fabriek, Hans Ubbink, Stormer Marine, and a laser tag arena. In 2014, the current owner, the stroller manufacturer Bugaboo, bought the building, possibly to move in.
Project info
Status
In development
Programme
Offices, commercial spaces, hospitality, retail, museums, housing, and inner harbor
Size
28.000 m2
Mei was challenged to transform the halls and bring together a mix of functions to breathe new life into the building. The goal was to combine meaningful and rich programming, with functions like offices, businesses, restaurants, shops, housing, museums, a hotel, and an inner harbor, with the existing industrial complex.
In Mei’s vision, the Van Gendthallen can develop into a unique, lively environment where living, working, producing, and recreation come together. The aim of the design is to create a community of users focused on innovation, connecting to the dynamic and forward-thinking past of the halls. The focus is on creating an inspiring and green environment that allows for energy and movement.
Future proof
The starting point in the design is not to disturb the historical floors of the halls and to preserve and highlight their monumental qualities. Elements like cranes, crane tracks, walkways, rails, and internal pavilions represent the layered identity of the building, which is maintained and strengthened. The new program to be integrated is placed in the halls as stepped box-in-box volumes, so the spaciousness of the halls is not lost. Thanks to this approach, every rentable space in the complex also has its own (green) terrace, which encourages interaction and further supports the sense of community.
Through a modular construction principle, these volumes are flexible, expandable, and reversible if needed. The new volumes are naturally lit as daylight enters through the glass roofs of the halls and can be fully air-conditioned. The space between the exterior walls and the new units serves as an intermediate climate, allowing the exterior wall with its historic patina to remain uninsulated and visible. Sun-shading fabrics with different densities (taken from greenhouse construction) can regulate the amount of sunlight to keep the indoor climate comfortable.
