14 December 2019
Leidsch Dagblad - Regionaal
Schitteren in De Meelfabriek
De meelfabriek in Leiden. ooit werd hier dus meel geproduceerd. Bijna honderd jaar lang.
De meelfabriek in Leiden. ooit werd hier dus meel geproduceerd. Bijna honderd jaar lang.
Het ontwerp dat Studio Akkerhuis maakte voor de Meelfabriek is in de prijzen gevallen tijdens het ‘World Architectural Festival’ vorige week in Amsterdam. In de categorie ‘Future projects: commercial mixed use 2019’ is de WAF Award uitgereikt aan de architecten. De jury licht haar keuze als volgt toe: “Het project revitaliseert een verlaten industrieterrein, voorheen een meelfabriek, in een nieuw stuk stad met een breed scala aan toepassingen”.
De Meelfabriek is een cluster van gebouwen, grotendeels behouden, gedeeltelijk gesloopt ten behoeve van de zichtlijnen en openbare ruimtes. Gelegen op de historische groene-blauwe vestinglijn, verbindt de Meelfabriek routes naar het oude stadscentrum en met een ring van groene parken.
Het ontwerp benadrukt de innerlijke schoonheid van de interne kenmerkende structuren en geeft een nieuwe waarde aan de historische structuren. De Meelfabriek wordt een echt gemengd gebruikscomplex dat voor het publiek toegankelijk is dankzij deze mix van functies. Twaalf gebouwen op anderhalf hectare, bestaande uit woningen, kantoren, kunstcentrum, sportfaciliteiten en met openbare toegang naar de toppen van de gebouwen zou De Meelfabriek als model kunnen dienen voor andere industriële ‘brownfield’ terreinen.
LEIDEN – Het ontwerp van Studio Akkerhuis heeft de internationale architectuurprijs voor het ontwerp De Meelfabriek in Leiden gewonnen.
Vorige week werd het World Architectural Festival gehouden in Amsterdam. De prijs voor de categorie ‘Future projects: commercial mixed use 2019’ werd gewonnen door Studio Akkerhuis. De jury zegt: ‘Het voorgestelde project (momenteel in aanbouw) revitaliseert een verlaten industrieterrein, voorheen een meelfabriek, in een nieuw stuk stad met een breed scala aan toepassingen.’ Ook zeggen ze dat De Meelfabriek als model zou kunnen dienen voor andere industriële ‘brownfield’-terreinen.
Na sluiting van De Meelfabriek in 1988 kocht projectontwikkelaar Ab van der Wiel de verlaten Meelfabriek in 1998. Zijn visie was om de stadswijk te regenereren met behoud van een groep historische gebouwen. Hij zag winkels, galerijen, appartementen, werkruimtes, een hotel en spa voor zich. Toen Ab van der Wiel belangstelling kreeg voor het project was hergebruik zeker niet evident en werd De Meelfabriek bedreigd door totale sloop.
Het bureau Studio Akkerhuis heeft een origineel en architectonisch onderscheidend plan voor restauratie en verbouwing van De Meelfabriek gemaakt, zegt de jury. Bart Akkerhuis beschrijft de aanpak van zijn werk: ‘Hoewel het project vraagt om het behoud van de waardevolle structuren van alle gebouwen, zullen sommige gevels worden hersteld, terwijl andere worden aangepast aan hun nieuwe functies. Er wordt gebruik gemaakt van materialen als beton, staal en glas waardoor het industriële karakter naar voren komt.’
Leiden – Ze worden door ingewijden de ‘Oscar van de architectuur’ genoemd en Studio Akkerhuis heeft er één gewonnen voor ontwerp en uitwerking van de herbestemming van de Leidse Meelfabriek.
Aantekeningen van de juryleden over het winnende project.
“Het voorgestelde project (nu in aanbouw) revitaliseert een verlaten industrieterrein, voorheen een meelfabriek, in een nieuw stuk stad met een breed scala aan toepassingen. De Meelfabriek is een cluster van gebouwen, grotendeels behouden, gedeeltelijk verwijderd om de doorlaatbaarheid te verbeteren en openbare ruimtes.Gelegen op het historische groen / blauwe fort, verbindt de Meelfabriek routes naar het oude stadscentrum en een ring van groene parken.Het blootleggen van de innerlijke schoonheid van de interne heroïsche structuren geeft slim een nieuwe waarde aan de historische structuren. Twaalf gebouwen op twee en een halve hectare, bestaande uit 55.000 m2, woningen, kantoren, kunstencentrum, sportfaciliteiten en openbare toegang tot de toppen van de gebouwen – een echt gemengd gebruikscomplex dat voor het publiek doorlaatbaar is dankzij deze mix van functies. Meelfabriek zou als model kunnen dienen voor andere industriële brownfieldterreinen. “
DE PADDENSTOELKOLOMMEN
Je zou het op het eerste oog niet zeggen, maaraan het water van de singel ligt een heel bijzonder gebouw met paddenstoelkolommen die als een soort dinosauruspoten het gebouw dragen. Het gebouw stamt uit 1937 en is ontworpen door architect B. Buurman. Tussen 1910 en 1940 werden er regelmatig paddenstoelvloer-constructies toegepast. Deze constructie werd toegepast in zwaar belaste pakhuizen. Het Meelpakhuis in Leiden is zo’n voorbeeld en heeft maar liefst 280 van deze prachtige kolommen.
Andere mooie voorbeelden van gebouwen met paddenstoelvloer-constructies zijn de Van Nelle fabriek (1930, Rotterdam), Het Glaspaleis (1935, Heerlen), het Veemgebouw (1930, Eindhoven) en de Universiteitsbibliotheek aan de Witte Singel (1976-82, Leiden). De kolommen zijn divers van vorm. De kolom en de hoed kunnen variëren van achthoekig, rond tot vierkant. Het Meelpakhuis heeft de achthoekige variant. GA NAAR PDF>
Bekijk de werkzaamheden – Parkeergarage van De Meelfabriek.
It is a storm on the sales days for the very last 32 apartments that will be available at the Meelfabriek site in Leiden. LEES VERDER >
De Meelfabriek is a unique regeneration project of a national monument in Leiden. The industrial buildings are being revived and new ones are added, with an overall sustainable approach. A vibrant area is created with living, working and leisure spaces. At walking distance from the ancient city centre and nearby Amsterdam, Schiphol, The Hague, Rotterdam and the beaches.
LOFTS Beautiful column structures, open spaces, balcony all around, large windows and high ceilings. PENTHOUSES Phenomenal living spaces with freedom of incredible views that rise above all else. APARTMENTS modern new addition that fits in perfectly with the rough and industrial charm of the monumental buildings. DE MEELFABRIEK FACILITIES: Wellness & gym (Azzurro Wellness), Art center, Garden (by renown landscape architect Piet Oudolf), workspaces, shops, hotel and restaurants, parking underground.
Homes from 95 m² to more than 200 m². Prices approx. € 500.000 to € 2.000.000.
Register now online for the sales days and more info: www.demeelfabriek.nl/en/sale/
De Meelfabriek in Leiden is een industrieel complex van diverse gebouwen, veelal rijksmonument. In de stoommeelfabriek, in 1884 opgericht, werd vroeger meel geproduceerd. Het graan arriveerde per boot over aangrenzende singel. Op het ogenblik is er een voorbeeldigeherbestemming gaande.
Mayor Henri Lenfrink (62) has studied history and can tell passionately about the beautiful history of “his” Leiden. With the same ease he picks up a cleaning machine and he receive compliments from “happy people from Leiden”.
Divers inspected yesterday (August 14), by touch, the floor and the pillars of the parking garage at De Meelfabriek in Leiden. They are still hidden under more than eleven meters deep “inland lake” on the Oosterkerkstraat, between the new student residences and the former Directiekantoor of the huge factory complex.
Het World Architecture Festival (WAF) maakte donderdag 4 juli bekend dat het architectenbureau van Bart Akkerhuis met De Meelfabriek genomineerd is in de categorie ‘2019 Future Project: commercial mixed use’. De WAF-prijzen worden door ingewijden ook wel aangemerkt als de ‘Oscars’ van de architectuur. In september presenteren de laatste
5 finalisten van iedere categorie hun projecten. Dan is het nog vol spanning afwachten tot de finale in december.
Ga naar PDF versie >
On the ground floor of the various buildings, there will be unique shops and workspaces such as boutiques, workshop areas, and galleries. These shops attract people and bring vibrancy. Instead of large franchise chains, we aim for surprising creative businesses that have a connection to art, design, craftsmanship, or sustainability.
In the Riffellokaal, you can already find creative, sustainable, and socially-conscious entrepreneurs who prioritize collaboration. Space for design will be available under the Singeltoren. On the ground floor and the first floor of the Meelpakhuis, there will be a mix of a cultural café with books, space for debates, and various studio and retail spaces that seamlessly blend together.
The exact details are still being worked out, and we are open to innovative entrepreneurs who would like to establish themselves here. If you’re interested in being a part of this, please contact us. Send an email to: info@demeelfabriek.nl
There is already so much to discover and share about the history of De Meelfabriek, the architecture of the various listed buildings and the surprising businesses that have already set up shop there.
And soon there will be even more on offer: art, film, beautiful couture and fun children’s fashion, delicious food and extraordinary stories, philosophical get-togethers and cultural events. From wellness centre to studio, from office to workshop, from cultural café to top restaurant – all places where skill and expertise are of paramount importance and where the focus is on real interaction. Places where knowledge can be shared and other cultures discovered. Places of enrichment, but above all enjoyment.
There is considerable interest in art and culture, and a large area will therefore be set aside for this purpose at De Meelfabriek. These flexible spaces can be used for contact and debate, exhibitions, events and workshops, and also an intimate film theatre. The programme can vary from a fashion show by Oso Couture, which will have a store and workshop here, to a philosophy club meeting. Other options include a conference centre and an exhibition venue for the art stored in Leiden’s many museums. The activities will be interwoven through all of the buildings and through the different uses of the site. For example, the lower floors of the Meelpakhuis will be a place where people can meet and enjoy beautiful products and great events.
The distinctive buildings are already very much in demand as an inspiring backdrop for various productions and festivals. This will be developed further on the special Art & Culture dedicated Ketelhuis. The highlight of this building is the dome. This intimate space will house a very special film theatre. The venue will also attract the business market.
Wellbeing is a central theme at De Meelfabriek, encompassing both physical and mental wellness. After a long history of hard work, the ground floor of the northern silo building is being transformed into a space dedicated to wellness and beauty. There will be a City Spa that seamlessly connects to the Schoonmakerij and the adjacent swimming pool. In addition, businesses that align with this philosophy can establish themselves here. For instance, De Fysio Specialist is already located in the Molengebouw, and Les Soeurs hair salon is situated in the Riffellokaal.
You won’t be short of delicious food and drinks when visiting De Meelfabriek. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack throughout the day, there will be a diverse range of dining options available in the future at various locations, catering to every moment of the day.
For now, you can visit GRUTSK in the Riffellokaal for the best coffee with delightful pastries and a view on Piet Oudolf’s garden. Alternatively, grab a coffee-to-go for a stroll through the Singelpark. Feel free to relax in the afternoon with a refreshing drink and perhaps a charcuterie board. GRUTSK is honest, open, and sustainable, working closely with local suppliers.
The separate meeting room, set in an industrially historic setting, can accommodate up to 40 people (depending on the setup). This versatile space can be used for receptions, workshops, and other events. Additionally, you can combine your meeting with activities such as a boat trip on the BizonSloep, an Escape Game, or a tour on their electric E-Choppers.
GRUTSK – Maalderijstraat 2a, 2312 WW Leiden.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 – closed on Mondays.
The Silogebouw will house ‘the place to sleep’ in Leiden: Hotel De Meelfabriek. ‘Meelfabriek’ means ‘flour mill’, so anyone booking a room there will be sleeping in a place where many tons of flour used to be stored. The concrete silos will be opened up and transformed into special rooms and short-stay apartments, offering robust accommodation with a charming interior. Guests will still experience the authenticity of the former mill while enjoying the luxury of a contemporary 4-star hotel.
The upper floors will house a Skybar, a restaurant and a unique venue for events, creating a new landmark on the top of the Silogebouw. The familiar S-shaped block building will be retained and will soon accommodate a suite with fabulous views of Leiden.
The garden of De Meelfabriek serves as a peaceful oasis amidst all the liveliness. Designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf, renowned for his work on The High Line in New York, the garden embraces the ever-changing nature without restraining it in his designs. Oudolf masterfully utilizes the beauty of new colors and forms that each season brings. Visitors to De Meelfabriek Garden will feel a sense of familiarity while being pleasantly surprised every time.
The Square, as the focal point of De Meelfabriek, becomes a vibrant and bustling space. Residents, hotel guests, wellness visitors, shoppers, and diners, as well as those taking a stroll around the Singelpark, will all utilize the square. Thanks to the underground parking garage, the De Meelfabriek premises can be kept car-free.
Piet Oudolf (1944) is undoubtedly the most renowned Dutch landscape architect. His gardens and parks have gained international fame, including The High Line in New York and Millennium Park in Chicago. He resides and works in Hummelo, Gelderland, alongside his wife Anja. Oudolf is a prominent representative of The Dutch Wave, a movement in garden architecture that draws inspiration from natural plant communities, art, and the passage of time (seasons). He has received various awards, including the Prins Bernard Cultuurprijs, Sikkens Prize, Maaskant Prize, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour, and has been appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
LOLA Landscape Architects is a forward-thinking firm specializing in landscape architecture. They explore and design spatial transitions within existing cultural landscapes. With thoughtful ideas and targeted interventions, LOLA (LOst LAndscapes) aims to optimize these landscapes, transforming them into beautiful, healthy, and sustainable places. A key focus is on creating unique experiences: landscapes to wander, amaze, marvel, enjoy, and dream in. They work globally on various large-scale landscape designs, including the Singelpark in Leiden. Alongside Piet Oudolf, they designed the landscape of Gasklockan in Stockholm, an area filled with abandoned gasometers. Peter Veenstra is a co-founder and partner of LOLA, and he has received accolades such as the Maaskant Prize for young architects and the Topas Landscape Award.
pes that are constantly surprising, give pleasure and allow you to dream. They work on a variety of large landscape design projects around the world, including the Singelpark in Leiden. In partnership with Piet Oudolf, they designed the landscape around Gasklockan in Stockholm, an area full of disused gasometers. LOLA’s awards include the Young Maaskant Prize for young architects and the Topas Landscape Award.
Landscape architect Piet Oudolf collaborates with LOLA Landscape Architects, who are involved in the overall layout of the site and co-designers of the Singelpark. The garden was completed in the spring of 2023, with a staggering 13,000 plants of nearly 60 different species planted. Currently, the garden is still fenced off to protect the new plantings. We hope that nature will thrive, ensuring the plants grow strong roots in the ground. Soon, we look forward to welcoming you to the garden so we can enjoy it together!
The DUWO buildings comprise two residential blocks with 58 luxury student apartments and a single-storey underground car park. Commissioned by DUWO, which specialises in student accommodation, these apartments have been built to house students and postgraduates. The buildings overlook the Waardgracht canal or Looiersplein on one side and the future Meelfabriek garden on the other.
The choice of finish, colour and use of materials ensures that this is no average student complex. The use of corten steel (weathering steel) on the end wall, the railings of the built-in balconies and the walkway gives the buildings a warm, rugged look. Combined with the choice of facing brick and the darker recessed window frames made of anodised aluminium, this fits in well with the redevelopment of De Meelfabriek.
The apartments have been occupied since October 2018.
For further information about the DUWO Foundation, visit www.duwo.nl
It was slated for demolition, but now the charm of the Poortgebouw (gate house) is of great value to De Meelfabriek and it is even designated as a national monument. The old Poortgebouw has been restored and adapted for reuse.
The building dates back to 1940 and, like the adjacent Directiekantoor, is designed in a style influenced by Functional Expressionism by architect B. Buurman. It originally served as a bicycle storage and garage for executive cars.
In the rear section, storage spaces will be built for the residents of the Meelpakhuis, along with the necessary transformers. At the front, the contractors and construction staff will be temporarily located.
Once the headquarters of Meelfabriek De Sleutels, housing the management, administration and laboratory, this building now accommodates seven inspiring companies. The property has been fully restored, with the exterior facade, windows, and interior spaces brought back to their original state where possible. The numerous original elements exude the atmosphere of its remarkable history.
The Directiekantoor was built in 1940, designed by architect B. Buurman in the style of Functional Expressionism. The facade features a brickwork plaque of a corn mill from 1734 called ‘De Oranjeboom’ (The Orange Tree). The laboratory on the second floor was used for chemical testing of the flour. Factory workers would conduct test bakes to determine if the flour met the required quality standards. They would take home the test loaves and cakes in the evenings. The authentic Leiden keys above the entrance symbolize the company that had been called ‘Meelfabriek De Sleutels’ since the 1920s. The previous name, ‘Stoom-meelfabriek De Koster & Co.’ (Steam Flour Mill De Koster & Co.), became obsolete with the advent of electricity.
From solo entrepreneurs to teams, everyone enjoys working in one of the coveted offices within this listed monument complex. The occupants have a strong connection to the new purpose of the building. The reuse of De Meelfabriek instead of demolition, particularly for its sustainability, is something they appreciate deeply.
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