Kraanbolwerk included in national publication on heritage-inclusive densification
Publication, Inner-city projects
The Kraanbolwerk project in Zwolle, developed by VanWonen, features in the new national publication ‘Erfgoedinclusief verdichten in beschermde stadsgezichten’ (heritage-inclusive densification in protected cityscapes) by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science). This report highlights exemplary projects that demonstrate how new housing can be realised within protected urban areas while preserving the cultural-historical identity.
Heritage-inclusive densification
The housing crisis means that virtually every area in the Netherlands is facing the need for densification. In locations of high cultural heritage significance, such as protected cityscapes, the densification task presents additional challenges. Fortunately, many municipalities, developers, urban planners, architects and other designers are tackling this delicate task in a way that preserves cultural heritage.
The publication ‘Erfgoedinclusief verdichten in beschermde stadsgezichten’ (heritage-inclusive densification in protected cityscapes), commissioned by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, highlights twelve recent examples of heritage-inclusive densification. These can serve as a source of inspiration for current densification practices. One of the examples featured is Kraanbolwerk in Zwolle, developed by VanWonen.
Kraanbolwerk: developing in a protected cityscape
Developer VanWonen, in partnership with the municipality of Zwolle and various design teams, transformed Kraanbolwerk, the peninsula nestled between the Thorbeckegracht and the Friesewal. Following the relocation of the Schaepman paint factory in 2012, the opportunity arose to redefine this unique site on the edge of the city centre. The result is a fully-fledged residential area with 130 owner-occupied and rental homes, an underground car park and a network of alleys and courtyards that create an intimate, urban atmosphere.
The publication highlights various qualities of the project:
1) Urban design rooted in history: The plan honours the area’s rich cultural heritage. The row of canal houses along the Thorbeckegracht has been extended to the tip of the peninsula, with each home featuring a unique design. At the Friesewal, the larger apartment buildings evoke the memory of the factory buildings that once stood there. The apartment building De Kraan also has an asymmetrical facade reminiscent of the shape of a historical city crane. Its silhouette has been painted on the side wall.
2) Reconstruction of characteristic elements: While it was not possible to preserve the original factory buildings for structural reasons, key elements have been carefully reconstructed. This includes the De Volharding facade, which was rebuilt with minute attention to detail. Behind this facade, a section of the original building has been recreated. The other side has been transformed into a square that can be accessed via the old factory door on the quay.
3) Architectural unity: Despite the involvement of several architects, Kraanbolwerk has become a recognisable, cohesive whole. This is due in part to the consistent use of materials and recurring motifs. High-rise and low-rise buildings also blend seamlessly in terms of both form and material.
Densification without losing the area’s identity
Its inclusion in this national publication is confirmation of what makes Kraanbolwerk so special: the area has been carefully integrated into a nationally protected cityscape, historical elements have been restored and the architecture forms a coherent whole. The result is a district where the past and the future seamlessly merge.
Right from the start, Kraanbolwerk has been more than just a place to live: it quickly grew into a lively neighbourhood. The residents were closely involved in the development of their own environment and now form a close-knit community. The layout of the public space helps, too; the network of small alleys and courtyards fosters social interaction.
With its vibrant community and respect for cultural heritage, Kraanbolwerk has become the ‘living room of the city centre’ and a contemporary monument to its physical and social past. Densification in the heart of the city centre is possible without losing the identity of the place.
Want to read more? Go here to read the full report ‘Erfgoedinclusief verdichten in beschermde stadsgezichten: voorbeeldprojecten 2010-2025’.
Photography Kraanbolwerk: Laurens Kuipers, Dingeman Deijs architects, Erik Karst Fotografie
