19941999

Zeeuws Archief Middelburg

A mansion designed in 1765 by J.P. van Baurscheit in the old town centre of Middelburg was chosen to house the new Province of Zeeland Archive.

296 N2 medium

Restored to store history

The historic interior was restored and set up to receive the documentary and administrative parts of the archive, as well as the restoration divisions. In the garden behind the building is a three-level underground repository, and a newly built pavilion in the garden accommodates the public zone, with the reception, reading rooms, meeting/exhibition room and coffee corner.

296 N3 medium
296 N4 medium

Where old and new intertwine

The pavilion’s triangular form derives from the yards between houses that historically, are a characteristic feature of Middelburg. A staircase and lift in the central void connect all repositories with the reception and reading rooms and with the passages on the three floors. Like the historic part the new addition looks robust and sober, though the toned-down finish of metal and concrete contrasts with the interior of the old mansion.

296 N5 medium
Architect
Benthem Crouwel Architects
Collaboration
Architektenburo Verlaan & Bouwstra
Artists
Frans Franciscus
Lydia Schouten
Client
Rijksgebouwendienst, directie Zuid West
Location
Middelburg, The Netherlands
Gross floor area
7800 m²
Start design
1994
Start construction
1997
Completion
1999