The water company in Glimmen wants to improve security on its premises. For this reason, a ‘gatehouse’ is required. After analysing various possible locations for the building, the company decided to place it to the east of the tree-lined avenue. With the removal of low vegetation along the Rijksweg, the building will also become visible from the road. Given the volume of traffic on the site, the tree-lined avenue will become one-way. Vehicles will return along the opposite side of the building, offering views from all directions, ensuring the building is experienced as a whole.
The pumping station in Nietap served as the inspiration for the design of this ‘services building’. The pumping station essentially consists of two parts: the building and the pond. What makes the pond special is that it forms an integral part of the building. The office building is largely situated within the pond, and in some places, the quay walls are physically connected to the structure. This interweaving of building and water expresses, in our view, something essential: that this is a building for the water company. It visually embodies the contrast between ‘natural’ water and the water purified by human hands to make it fit for consumption.
The form and cut-outs of the building were inspired by clouds. These cut-outs bring the rain inside, allowing it to be experienced throughout the building, a constant reminder that this is the very water we drink. Just as sunlight filters through clouds, these openings will allow sunlight to reach deep into the pond. All rain that falls on the roof and through the cut-outs flows into the pond. In this way, the pond becomes inseparably connected to the building.
To further optimise the use of space, it was decided to demolish the old canteen and relocate the current workspaces, now housed in temporary units, into this new building. Additionally, the canteen must be suitable for hosting large groups of visitors.
Given this dual function, a compact, fully masonry structure over two levels was chosen. On the ground floor are the reception desk and the large canteen. On the upper floor, all office spaces are located.
w/ daad architecten
