The Old Library (De Oude Bibliotheek) | KREUK architectuur

Introduction

The Old Library is a design in Renaissance style by architect J.A.W.Vrijman, and built between 1912 and 1915. After a period of vacancy and a major renovation, the monument was given a new destination as training center for the offshore energy industry, thereby preserving the historic building and cultural heritage in the center of Delft. The design and realization of this project were performed by the project team in cooperation with the interior design team. In this document you will find more information about the creation and realization of the design.

Explanation
The design principles were found in the history of the building as a library (bookshelves), the existing architecture and original features (terrazzo floors, stucco ornaments in ceiling and wall paintings) the acoustical problem of building, the necessary new installations and last but not least the new function in the offshore industry (colors, compass).

Design
The added interior parts and built-in furniture has a modern design, the renovated building parts were brought back in original condition and with authentic materials. The original atmosphere and appearance of the building is still recognizable. In the atrium and the galleries a portuguese stone floor is placed with a compass. Oak wood is used for the floors, tables, cabinets and pantry. The Dutch offshore sea map can be recognized in the blue printed carpets.

Installations
The BaOpt system is applied in the building. One air handling unit is placed from the attic and the other from the basement . This system operates at overpressure and per room is one air extraction and one air supply nozzle needed. In this way a minimum of airducts was needed, that could be integrated in built-in furniture around the radiators and in the benches along the windows in the atrium. By applying the two AHU's no airducts are needed between the ground and first floor, which made it possible to keep all original stucco ceilings intact.

Acoustics
The beautiful high ceilings of 5.35 m and in the atrium 14,5m had a 2.5 to 3.5 second reverberation time. A well thought out design is made by the interiorteam to transform the old library reading rooms (quiet zones) into classrooms without damaging the stucco ceilings. Acoustic bookcases - referring to the former position - filled with flax, finished with an upholstered back and perforated metal plates fitted with thousands of holes per panel, ensure comfortable acoustics in the classrooms. The image in the dark blue and rust-colored plates, that is only visible after some study, is an overtopping seawave; a subtle reference to the offshore industry.

Collaboration
The start of construction and demolition started parallel with the designtask. As a result the pressure on the design process was huge, and this created the demand to compose a powerful design team. The collaboration between KREUK architectuur, BK. architecten and Stephanie Gieles interieurontwerp is a good example of joining forces to take on larger, more complex projects. Each office has brought its own expertise to raise the output to a higher level. BK. architecten specialize in working with photorealistic 3D images that gives a good visual insight of the design for both the designers and the client throughout the process. Stephanie Gieles interieurontwerp has many years of expertise with monuments and extensive knowledge of materials. KREUK architectuur is strong in communicating between client, contractor and interior design team and has succeeded in this specific project to maintain an overview. The synergy between the three companies has led to the final result, obtained within the stipulated time and budget.