The current cultural centre De Hamar is the site of a former furniture factory in the centre of Belfeld. The existing sports hall and library will remain, however the main hall and activity areas will be demolished to make way for a new construction.
The new building is designed so that a new square at Julianastraat is created. Together with the Koninginneplein and Muldersplein it forms a new route through the centre. The square also forms one of the two entrances to the building, a place to gather and meet people. The design of the square, with its round shapes, is close to the village character of Belfeld.
Both the entrance at the Hamarplein and the entrance at the square are transparent and inviting. They give access to the new central lobby. Around here, all functions are located: the bar, main hall, three activity areas and the existing library. The latter will get a new entrance to the foyer. Indoors there is a connection to the existing sports hall and a new health centre. They also have their own entrance from the square so a good controllability is possible.
The new volumes form a transition from the lower library to the higher sports hall. Horizontal bands of brickwork determine the look of the building from the square. Nods in the facade articulate the masses and provide a dynamic perspective. Through the large windows it is clearly visible what is inside the building. The brickwork consists of different colors and refers to the local use of bricks in Belfeld.
In the interior, the openness and light ensure a clear internal organization and good sightlines. Colours improve the orientation. The natural materials inside and outside provide a warm atmosphere, so the building feels like a second home. In this way, we want to design a building that fits in Belfeld and that all residents are proud of.