A New Life
A pillar of Apto Architects’ core philosophy is that by adding new value to an existing place through design, an otherwise tired and forgotten space can be given a new life. This was exactly the case with NH Koningshof.
NH Koningshof
Rejuvenate a forgotten nunnery back to a place of learning
NH Koningshof
Location
Veldhoven
Client
NH Hotel Group
The past
The Koningshof started its life as a grandiose catholic nunnery constructed in 1952 to house over 300 practicing and training nuns. As time passed and the number of sisters decreased it was decided that the nunnery would be moved to a smaller and more manageable building. In 1974 the property was put on the market eventually being sold, changing hands several times it eventually came under the management of NH Hotel Group who took it upon themselves to renovate the old institution with the help of Apto Architects.
The original style of the Koningshof was typical for 1950s constructions, with prevalent use of harsh geometry and a focus on symmetry. Spatial internal gardens are surrounded by the bare brick facades of the dormitories that surround it. Very little of the original interior has survived the passing of time with the majority of it having to be replaced. Even given the state of disrepair that the structure was in it didn’t hide the potential of the space with its large halls and numerous accommodation. NH enlisted Apto’s expertise to transform this potential into a unique congress event space and hotel accommodation.
A new beginning
A priority of Apto Architects was to preserve the historical integrity of the structure on the outside while rejuvenating the interior to meet contemporary expectations. Part of the challenge of such an undertaking is the transition from the old exterior to the renewed interior. Apto did this by implementing Romanesque arched entrances at the front of the hotel, referencing the original purpose of the Koningshof. This stylistic feature is not exclusive to just the entrance, it can also be found in most halls and passageways throughout the complex.
New Additions
Apto takes an integrative approach to hospitality projects, repurposing overlooked spaces to create new value. The large auditoriums that were previously lecture halls for students have now been repurposed for congress events, still with the spirit of learning in mind. These large open spaces also allowed for the inclusion of numerous recreational facilities most notable of which being the versatile auditorium for conferences.
Finally, in a humble nod to the previous occupant who used to call the Koningshof home, Apto Architects coordinated with NH to ensure that some aspect of this property would remain a place of worship. As part of the renovations the chapel which had gone into disrepair as a storage room for garden tools was refurnished to its former glory and was opened once again to church services.
"Their memory lives on"
Rianne van Doorn-Wenting, Former Supervisor of the Koningshof Estate
