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De Biesbosch

The Netherlands, Dordrecht

This project proposition is for the transformation of the Biesboschhal, as a result of a competition set by the Dordrecht municipality. Our proposition gives a multifunctional purpose to the place with respect for its high historical and architectural value.and takes into account the future plans for the development of the area.
The assignment was executed together with Kragtgroep and Geva Vastgoed.
site plan
Wantij
Wantij
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The Biesboschhal is a local monument with a special history, located on the southern harbor of the 'De Stadswerf' area, and on the edge of the Staart, a headland in the northeast of Dordrecht. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, this headland consisted of buntings, the Veerplaat and the Kerkeplaat. The buntings were flooded at high tide and were therefore used for logging and salmon fishing. At the end of the nineteenth century, the municipality raised the buntings and the headland was made available for the construction of ships. In 1901, J. Bijvoet opened the NV Scheepswerf Dordrecht there. For this, he had the harbor basin constructed on the Merwede side. More to the east, the machine factory De Biesbosch was established in 1917. The companies merged in 1927. It was not until 1938 that the name Scheepswerf en Machinefabriek De Biesbosch was used. The company focused on the assembly of ships prefabricated in America. Later on, push barges were also produced, as well as inland vessels and coasters. In the heyday of the machine factory, more than 750 people were employed. Due to the lack of orders, the factory had to close its doors in 2000. Up to and including the turn of the century, about 900 ships were launched. 
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Our part of the proposed transformation focuses on the exterior of the building. The main goal is to create a dynamic solution for the environment using the existing resources.
The final result consisted of two main interventions on the exterior of the building. The first one was the entrance area. To make it more lively, we proposed an extrusion of the building's silhouette, executed with a light structure, resembling the 'skeleton' of De Biesboschhal. The new space provides extra volume for various activities. 
As for the southern part of the terrain, the interventions were lighter, yet very effective. By using the existing crane, we managed to provide additional public space. The big sliding doors of De Biesboschhal allow a more gradient transition between interior and exterior. The small square between the river and the building transforms into a perfect spot for cafés, seating areas, and relaxation activities. *** iets aan de kraan gehangen ***
front facade
entrance
Project data:
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Team:
Geva Vastgoed
Dordrecht (NL)
Industrial; Transformation
4 370 m2
2021
Study proposal
Niels Olivier, Boryana Kondeva
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