10/05/2026
New project!
Courthouse Building H, Utrecht by DP6 and i29
Building H was constructed in 1903 on the Catharijnesingel as a municipal secondary school, designed by architect F. J. Nieuwenhuis. It was a stately building with a symmetrical U shaped floor plan, long sightliness, and a great sense of spaciousness.
Until around 1995, the school building served as an educational building. It was then converted into office space belonging to the newly constructed Utrecht Courthouse, which gave the building its current name: Building H. Continuous corridors were enclosed to create office spaces, sightlines disappeared and suspended ceilings were added. The original entrance and staircase consequently lost much of their function.
Clear structure restored
DP6 and i29 created a design that brings the clear structure of the historic building to the forefront once again, while adding a new layer that reflects SSR’s identity: a familiar, creative and inviting learning and working environment where course participants, teachers and staff feel at home. Walls added over the decades, fire separations in the entrance hall, suspended ceilings and other clutter have been removed.
The clear symmetrical structure, lofty ceilings and stately spatiality of 1903 are once again perceptible, and the craftsmanship in the detailing has been made visible. Strategic openings have been created to add transparency and sightlines, enhancing spatial connectivity and daylight pe*******on. The green inner garden has also been made accessible from the hall—an oasis at the heart of the building where the concept of meeting and learning from one another continues outdoors.
Design: DP6 & i29
Size: 4000 m2
Contractor: J.P. van Eesteren
Installations: Nelissen ingenieursbureau
Structural engineer: Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft
Building cost: HI-plus Bouwadvies
Restauration expert: Bureau Vlaardingerbroek
Client: Rijksvastgoedbedrijf
User: SSR
Photo’s / Video: Stijn Poelstra
poelstra
