MEELPAKHUIS
Situated between the Singel and Meelfabriek Square, the monumental Meelpakhuis is home to 14 lofts and 8 penthouses. Floor areas range from 90 m² to 430 m². The repurposing of this national heritage monument, dating from 1937, is unique. The design is an unequivocal response to the question of what makes a monument a monument. A critical perspective and the courage not to take the easiest route are essential in this respect. The result is a design in which the monumental elements and industrial loft character are showcased to their fullest potential, combined with contemporary luxury and sustainable living comfort.
The Meelpakhuis was built in a functionalist architectural style to a design by B. Buurman. The name Meelpakhuis – Dutch for “Flour Warehouse” – reflects the building’s original purpose as a storage facility for flour. The enormous weight of the flour required the distinctive mushroom-shaped columns for support. To fully reveal the remarkable rhythmic structure of these powerful columns, the building’s façade has effectively been peeled away and replaced with a recessed glass façade. This allows the column structure to be visible from the outside, while also providing future residents with abundant natural light and phenomenal views across Leiden.
To create the characteristic loft atmosphere, the columns have been left as unobstructed as possible within the interior, while all facilities required for optimum living comfort have been incorporated. The glass façade has been extended upwards above the existing building, creating three additional storeys, each accommodating two to three unique penthouses. The monumental double-helix structure, originally designed to slide sacks of flour between floors, serves as the focal point of the private staircase. Numerous ingenious sustainability measures have been implemented as part of the transformation. Through its material palette and design, the modern new addition forms a fascinating unity with the historic structure.
In the future, the ground floor will provide space for an innovative commercial and cultural concept.
Year of construction: 1937 / Transformation: commenced 2021, completed 2024
Architect: B. Buurman / Transformation architect: Studio Akkerhuis Architects
MEELPAKHUIS – National Monument
This functional design with concrete mushroom columns was originally used to store large quantities of flour. Replacing the original brick facade with a recessed glass facade has revealed the rhythmic structure of the columns. The columns are narrower at the top, where less load-bearing capacity was required. The sturdy base allowed the addition of three new floors. The monumental chute, once used as a slide for transporting flour sacks, is now the centerpiece of the private staircase. The ground floor and first floor will soon house an innovative commercial and cultural concept. Numerous ingenious sustainability measures were applied during the transformation.
Year built: 1937 / Transformation: started 2021, completion 2024
Architect: B. Buurman / Transformation architect: Studio Akkerhuis Architects
