Grave is a historic fortified town situated alongside the Maas river in the South East of the Netherlands. The municipality shares its city hall with housing corporation Maasland and the regional historic archive of the Brabant province, BHIC.
The building is part of a masterplan developed by EEA for Grave in 1998. The masterplan distinguishes between two zones; the historic centre of Grave and the green space surrounding the old fortress. The city hall is situated on the border between these two zones, on the exact location of the former fortification.
This urban transition influenced the design significantly; the building blends into its environment unobtrusively, while making it very accessible to the public. In reference to the green surroundings and the historic context of the location, EEA used mainly natural materials, such as wood, natural stone and a grass roof. The design is sturdy and subtle at the same time. In this manner, the city hall opens itself towards the entrance of the town and invites the public to enter.
The fluent form of the complex refers to the former city walls, the interior structure of the building integrates the town’s characteristic alleyways as a theme into its layout. At the front, the building establishes itself as a city wall, with the office of housing corporation Maasland marking the highest and most prominent point; the back side, where the building encloses a public square, has a smaller-scale appearance.
Seen from a distance, the building presents itself as a singular ensemble. Up close, however, specific identities of the tenants become apparent. The three parties present themselves to the public in the main entrance hall, an open environment on the ground floor, thereby stimulating interaction among the tenants and between tenants and visitors.
The design can be summarised with ‘unity and diversity’. The complex unites three very different tenants under one roof, it has an open character and it blends into its historic surroundings.
Design 2002. Realisation december 2007
