Restoration of Paviljoen Welgelegen in Haarlem
Province of North Holland
Government
Building management
North Holland Provincial Government Building restored to its former glory
Officials and administrators of the Province of North Holland work spread out over four large sites and a few residences in Haarlem. Work began years ago on radical plans for the accommodation, with Royal Haskoning BM fulfilling the roles of design supervisor, project manager and works supervisor. The restoration of Paviljoen Welgelegen (the old provincial government building on Dreef) has since been completed. The Queen visited and officially opened the restored 18th-century state monument on 29 May 2009.
Awkward decisions
Paviljoen Welgelegen has a rich history and an unusual architecture. The property was built between 1785 and 1789. In 2005, work began on the design for the restoration. The Provincial Government moved back into the property in January 2009, following its restoration. Being a historic property, the main issue was integrating modern-day requirements for accommodation with offices and meeting facilities.
The restoration of the building involved repairing general wear, restoring the historical colour scheme, reconstructing the skylights and the side rooms, installing a new staircase and lift, and fitting out the 2nd floor (attic). The biggest challenge lay in adding modern-day technology to an 18th-century state monument. Some awkward decisions had to be made: card readers and electric locks in 18th-century doors, good ventilation (via the existing chimneys), a data installation, a lift and fire alarms in historical stucco ceilings.
It was the responsibility of Royal Haskoning BM to make sure everything was completed within budget, within the time and in full compliance with the Province’s stringent quality requirements.
Historical redecoration
In addition to the structural modifications, a radical (partly historical) redecoration project was also completed. The result is a modern office building with an almost museum-like look to it. Antique furniture has been restored, soft furnishings have been replaced and ‘stucco lustro’ (marble effect) adorns the walls again. What is more, two artists have designed spectacular chandeliers for the Statenzaal (Hall of States), Koffiekamers (Coffee Rooms – side rooms) and the Muziekzaal (Music Hall).
Success
In January 2009, after years of work on the building, the Province began to use it again. The exterior repairs were completed in May of this year. This final phase involved in particular a major overhaul (paintwork and repairs to the natural stone) and repairs to the pedestrian entrance ramp (historic arches) on the south elevation of the property. And the garden was beautifully landscaped in contemporaneous style.