location:Utrecht, the Netherlands year: 2015 size: 750 m2 programme:
university, multifunctional space client:
Nederlandse Provincie der paters Jezuïeten / Tilburg University
At the Nieuwegracht in Utrecht we found an old presbytery and former episcopal palace with a layout added in the 1960’s: metal stud walls and ceiling systems, installed with no consideration of historic value. Therefore the first step was stripping, which resulted in large open spaces with free access of daylight. Over the suspended ceilings we found a secondary and tertiary beam ceiling, on two beams of which late 15th century paintings were found. These beams were kept untreated and in sight, and the floral motif has been the basis for the choice of floor covering.
The user is Tilburg University, who wished to realise an auxiliary branch in Utrecht for their theology faculty. Because at Nieuwegracht several internal walls had to be placed to realise offices and enclosed consultation areas, glass walls have been put up to guarantee ingress of light. The old ceiling has been left exposed and painted in a colour we obtained after colour research. The air conditioning and light fittings hang in the space as new elements; the other installations are located either under a raised floor or over the ceiling to keep them out of sight as much as possible.
On ground floor level there were a lot of original details intact. Here we chose to bring the rooms back into their original state in tight communication with the Heritage protection organisation.
