The water tower in Zandvoort is getting a real metamorphosis. Springtij Architecten has presented the preliminary design for the renovation of the dilapidated building, which is so iconic for the seaside resort. It will be given a completely new exterior, the tower will be slightly larger and 12 apartments will be built in it. Springtij Architecten has already received a lot of calls from interested parties. “There are a lot of people who call spontaneously,” says architect Kees Draisma. “There is a lot of enthusiasm, this will sell itself.”
The redevelopment of the water tower square and the water tower itself has taken a lot of work. For years there were discussions in Zandvoort politics about what should be done with the square and the water tower. Aldermen died and the project was still running last year delay due to disagreements over the land price. But now the preliminary design has finally been completed and the redevelopment of the bare square and the water tower is in sight.
Bad state
During the first inspection of the water tower for the new plans, the building turned out to be in much worse condition than expected. “We came from one setback into the next setback,” says Draisma. The masonry appears to be in a deplorable condition and the stones are much too soft.
In order to breathe new life into the tower, the old masonry has to be removed. The entire exterior gets new windows and new bricks. Since the tower has to endure a lot in terms of weather conditions, no cutbacks will be made on this. “Everyone agrees that a more expensive stone is a good idea.”
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In the new plans, the tower will be about ten percent larger. “We are making it sixty centimeters wider on each side and four meters higher. In this way we create more surface area, so that the surrounding buildings can be lowered and the costs can be reduced. And the water tower remains free-standing.”
Apartments
The tower will have 14 floors and 12 apartments. One penthouse will be built on the top three floors. “We make indoor balconies of about ten square meters each and I think also with windows,” says Kees Draisma. “The tower is often in the wind, so glass is nice.” The tower will also have an elevator and a staircase.
Last night, local residents were given the opportunity to view the plans and their response was overwhelmingly positive. “They were very enthusiastic and that is not wrong by Zandvoort standards,” laughs Draisma.
In addition to the renovation of the water tower, four apartment complexes are also being built around the water tower and an underground parking garage. It is not yet clear how much the plans will cost. The prices of building materials vary due to the war in Ukraine and according to Draisma it is difficult to say exactly what this will lead to. The preliminary design for the tower is now ready. Springtij Architecten will finalize the final design later this year and then submit an environmental permit. “If all goes well, I hope that the renovation can start in April 2023,” said Draisma.
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