Den Helder is renewing its connection with its nautical culture and history by relocating to the former Royal Naval shipyard Willemsoord. The municipality will occupy two repurposed historic buildings on the site: the monumental 19th-century mast shed and the post-WWII sailmaking facility. The move will also work to connect this long-neglected area to the larger city. As a ‘house for the city’ (as city halls are called in Dutch) the mast shed has an inner public street with service counters, a council chamber, a wedding hall, a work café and a meeting center. The supporting structure of braced beams still defines the overall appearance. New skylights not only highlight the historic wooden construction, but also the names written on the wood of the ‘wharf-ians’ who once worked here.

Meanwhile, the sail-making facility is the home to the official administration of the municipality. The building features a void across all three floors, communal facilities and consultation areas. There are around 250 flexible workstations along the façades, offering a view of Willemsoord. The iconic concrete shell on the façade is adorned with contemporary maroon window frames. Both buildings underwent sustainable redevelopment, which involved various energy-saving interventions. The city hall is now optimally insulated and boasts a Heat and Cold Storage facility. The roof of the former sail-making facility is also covered with solar panels – making the building fully energy-neutral. By repurposing these buildings, the municipality has now secured the future of Willemsoord as an integral part of Den Helder.

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY Stefan Müller

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig

PHOTOS BY MWA Hart Nibbrig