Architect - Satijn plus architects
Interior design - Henk Vos / Maupertuus
Lighting design - Ingo Maurer
Garden design - Wil Snelder
Located in the city-center of Maastricht, this renovated 15th century monastery of the Crutched Friars offers you a breathtaking synthesis of a veritable Gothic exterior with a sleek, dressed-down modern interior. Many innovative solutions for structural challenges (e.g. a glass elevator connecting the church to the monastery area) only confirm the notion that the sobriety of modern style forms a perfect match for a late-medieval architectural expression of religious virtue.
The 60-room Kruisherenhotel-Maastricht complex consists of the original monastery as well as a Gothic church, which now houses the reception area and several hotel facilities, including conference rooms, a library, a boutique, and a coffee bar. Another spectacular feature is the newly installed mezzanine where guests are served breakfast while taking in views of Maastricht through the chancel windows. The “espace vinicole” is no less stunning, both for its impressive offering of wines as well as the strikingly large glass vault which houses them. The interior is matched by beautiful monastery gardens – a haven in the midst of a vibrant city center.
Maastricht is known for its historical landmarks, terrific shopping alternatives, culinary highlights and also for its innovative architecture and fashionable design. Fusing the austere Gothic with chic modern design, the Kruisherenhotel, located in the very central part of the city, opens straight into the inner shell of a 15th century monastery.
Situated in a beautiful spot right on the picturesque Kommelplein square, an almost forgotten location that has been fully rediscovered, given a new lease of life with greenery, art, café terraces and shops.
Uninhabited since 1979, the structure has been transformed into a remarkable blend of original Gothic exterior with a sleek, inconspicuous modernist interior. A transformation process that is embodied by a spectacular entrance tunnel designed by the renowned designer Ingo Maurer – the golden glow of the polished copper finish on the inside makes for an enveloping experience on entering the Kruisherenhotel.
The large complex of buildings served as a monastery and church for the Order of Crutched Friars since its establishment in 1438. Early last century, Victor de Stuers esquire and the architect Cuypers took pity on the complex of buildings, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. Following major renovations, the buildings were put into use as a National Agricultural Research Station. In the 1980s the complex was empty and quickly became run down again. Late in 2000, Camille Oostwegel took the initiative to save this unique building from ruin. Large-scale renovations were set in motion and the building was transformed into a luxurious, contemporary design hotel, retaining respect for its essence and celebrated past.
The distinct contrast between past and present is highlighted through the interior design language of Henk Vos, through the use of well-known creations by Le Corbusier and Rietveld, but also from more contemporary designers including Marc Newson, Piet Heyn Eeck, Roderick Vos and Philippe Starck.
Three interconnected locations house the hotel’s 60 rooms and suites. The old monastery, adjacent to the Church, hosts most of the individually appointed guestrooms, while the renaissance-style concierge building and a newly built annex accommodate the remaining spaces. The actual church building contains the tastefully integrated reception area, conference rooms, a library, boutique and a coffee bar. Proving that contemporary styles can be perfectly matched with late-medieval architecture, the designers have come up with many innovative solutions for various structural challenges, including such highlights as the glass elevator connecting the church to the monastery area.
Surrounded by peaceful cloister corridors, the serene gardens match the historic architectural lines and movement of the interior areas and a dramatic inner court sets the tone for a modern interpretation of the outside space. Intriguing pieces of light installation artwork by German artist Ingo Maurer add the finishing touches to the exterior and interior of the property.
Two carefully appointed gastronomic spaces cater to a distinguished clientele. On the split level mezzanine of the nave of the church, stunning ceilings and alters are enhanced by a panoramic view of the city through an amazing glass front. For a deluxe dining experience the nearby Michelin star Neercanne restaurant, also owned by the hotel, completes the prime culinary selection. The choir of the church serves as set for the intimate wine bar, or “espace vinicole” as it is called, displaying a remarkable assortment of 1800 wines in an impressive purpose-built glass cabinet.
All the rooms are unique and completely different from each other. Various colour schemes, styles and furnishings have been composed by Henk Vos to create an individual contemporary character for each accommodation. Resting on basic principles of transparency, space, modernity and comfort, the interiors are enhanced by exciting contrasts from the stained glass windows and the stunning, authentic original wall and ceiling paintings.
The overall result is visually challenging, paying tribute to contemporary architectural design while honouring age-old construction and detailing. A stay at the Kruisheren hotel is an experience of definite contrasts between past and present, an architectural journey in the comfort of contemporary design.