Huis van Delft
| Client | Delft Village bv. |
| Completion time | 2016 - 2026 |
| Market | Commercial real estate |
| In collaboration with | Ter Steege, Dura Vermeer Bouw Zuid West, Intos, Studio Job, AtexLicht, Barendrecht Elektra bv, Giesbers, Duurzaam Opgewekt, Framework, Daisy v/d Heuvel, Peutz, bbn adviseurs, Adviesbureau Huygen |
| Location | Delft |
| Project scope | 12.500 m2 bvo |
| Expertises | |
The project combines urban renewal with a tribute to Delft’s rich cultural and scientific heritage. ABT has been involved from the very beginning of this project, which was carried out through private commissioning.
Architecture and inspiration
The design by Koschuch Architects is inspired by the birthplaces of famous residents of Delft, such as Johannes Vermeer, Hugo Grotius, and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. The façade features characteristic gabled fronts and consists of inverted silhouettes of iconic Delft houses, known from the KLM miniature collection. The exterior is clad with specially developed ceramic tiles by Royal Tichelaar. A blue tile was chosen, giving the building a fresh, recognizable, and distinctly Delft appearance.
In the building’s plinth, Studio Job has created an impressive artwork incorporating Delft Blue tiles produced by Royal Tichelaar. These hand‑painted tiles form a visual representation of Delft’s story, from past to present. There is also a dedicated room inspired by Vermeer, featuring elements from his paintings such as black‑and‑white tiled floors, stained‑glass windows, and wall tapestries. This space creates an optical illusion of perspective and evokes the atmosphere of a 17th‑century painting.
Photo © ABT
Technique and execution
Huis van Delft was developed through private commissioning, which is uncommon for buildings of this type. High ambitions, many stakeholders, extensive artistic freedom, and continuously evolving insights made it a complex project full of challenges.
ABT was involved from the very beginning through to completion, providing integrated consultancy in structural engineering, building physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and geotechnical engineering.
One major technical challenge was the building’s location, only five meters from the railway tunnel. Through vibration analyses — incorporating knowledge gained from the seismic region of Groningen — the structural details were optimized to comply with the SBR guidelines for vibrations.
The architectural detailing and supervision of the public plinth required special attention due to the wide range of functions and users. ABT played a central role by coordinating the various subprojects. Each component had its own requirements in terms of installations, finishes, and logistics. Through an integrated approach and close collaboration with designers, contractors, the client, and operators, ABT ensured a cohesive execution in which aesthetics and functionality went hand in hand.
Public functions and collaboration
This approach resulted in a plinth that is not only visually compelling but also flexible enough to sustainably accommodate a variety of public functions. It now houses the tourist information office, Delft Marketing, and Azurite, the restaurant by chef Mario Ridder. The Innovation Gallery offers space for organizations such as TU Delft, TNO, Deltares, IHE Delft, and Royal Delft to showcase their latest innovations. Here, Delft’s past and future come together in a dynamic setting.