Dialogue with the past in the Completion of Herta Mohr Building

The project Completion of Herta Mohr Building is a sustainable and circular renovation, led by De Zwarte Hond, that renews the Cluster Zuid with new spaces, reused materials, and architecture that values historical memory and opens up to the city.

An intervention that values history and the future

The Completion of Herta Mohr Building, designed by De Zwarte Hond, is a significant example of sustainable intervention in the field of circular architecture projects and renovation projects. Located in the humanities campus of Leiden University, the renovated building offers over 11,400 m² of spaces for teaching and study, including two auditoriums, specialized libraries, and numerous shared workspaces. The goal of the renovation was to improve the brightness and orientation of the spaces. The new central atrium, with large windows, creates a clear reference point for visitors and promotes visual connection between the different sections of the building.

Light and connections: a new internal cohesion

The Zuid Cluster, built in the 1970s based on Joop van Stigt's design, was originally composed of seven distinct "houses" with similar courtyards and narrow alleys that made orientation difficult. By demolishing the central "house" and creating a large atrium, the space has been transformed into a bright and unifying gathering point. The new diagonal sightlines allow one to visually traverse the entire building, making pathways clearer and more intuitive.

Respectful and Sustainable Expansion

An eighth "house" has been added on the Maliebaan side, as originally planned by Van Stigt but never realized before. The new anodized aluminum facade harmoniously blends into the surroundings, with a discreet visual impact, respecting the profile of the historic neighborhood. The prefabricated concrete columns with conical tops and circular balconies, intentionally left visible, tell the story of continuity with the architectural past.

Sustainability and technical innovation

The renovation of Herta Mohr has exceeded building regulations on sustainability by 72%. Thanks to solar panels, advanced insulation, and a hot-cold thermal storage system, the building has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. However, the addition of new technical systems required the construction of a new structure on the second floor to best integrate the energy functions without compromising the building's stability.

Reuse as added value

One of the most appreciable elements of the project was the reuse of original materials. The concrete columns from the old central "house" were salvaged for the new extension, while the sequoia wood panels from the ceiling were transformed into elegant wall coverings for the atrium. Thanks to the work of BWRI, a social workshop, the panels were carefully restored, minimizing waste. This attention to detail allowed for the preservation of the original aesthetics and, at the same time, the creation of a sustainable and innovative building.

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Hoge der A 11, 9712 AC Groningen, Netherlands