The Dordthuis
| In collaboration with | Smidt Hammer Lassen Architects, gemeente Dordrecht, Pieters Bouwtechniek, DGMR, Valstar Simonis |
| Project scope | 31.000 m2 bvo |
| Expertises | |
Topping out milestone
A major milestone for the Dordthuis! On Tuesday 3 June, alderman Maarten Burggraaf and Bas Hüsstege, manager at Bibliotheek Aanzet, ceremonially raised the flag: construction has officially reached its highest point. This marks an important moment for this remarkable, future‑proof building, which is expected to open in the third quarter of 2026.
Well‑deserved recognition
The Dordthuis has won first prize in the Public Building (Concept) category at the 2024 Global Design & Architecture Design (GADA) Awards. GADA focuses on discovering the most forward‑thinking and innovative designs, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity.
We’ve begun
During the technical design phase, ABT contributed its architectural expertise. Construction started in August 2023, and since then we have been acting as execution coordinator for this ambitious and sustainable project. As the Danish architect is working from abroad, we support the client by taking on this coordinating role.
The first steps
Our collaboration with the Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (SHL) dates back to 2020. Since the SHL‑ABT team won the architectural competition for the Dordthuis, we have been involved as SHL’s local partner in developing the project design.
Dynamic atriums
The Dordthuis has a prism‑shaped floor plan of approximately 80 by 50 metres, spans eight storeys and reaches a height of 38 metres. The total floor area is around 31,000 m². The lower two floors are constructed in concrete, while the six upper levels are built using a timber structure. Inside the building, large staggered atriums create visual and spatial connections between the floors. Generous staircases link these levels together.
Façade design
The façade is clad in glass and terracotta in characteristic Dordrecht colours, giving the building a distinctive architectural expression. It is an element façade onto which ceramic components are mounted. Thanks to a smart design of these elements, the number of variations could be kept to a minimum, resulting in lower costs without compromising aesthetics. In part of the façade, solar panels have been integrated. These custom-made bronze‑coloured panels are fully embedded within the façade design.
Focus on sustainability
Sustainability is central to the design of the Dordthuis. The building features energy‑efficient installations, high‑performance insulation and solar panels. The structure largely consists of timber beams and columns. On top of the parking garage — which accommodates, among other things, 1,000 bicycles — a public rooftop garden is being created. This green space enhances biodiversity in the city centre and includes a retention roof that slows the discharge of rainwater, reducing pressure on the sewer system during heavy rainfall.
Images © SHL
