Scouting Columbus
Year
2024
Location
Den Bosch
Client
Municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch
For Scouting Columbus in Den Bosch, the existing clubhouse has been transformed into a contemporary and circular building. The starting point was an old farmhouse that has served as the scouting group’s home base since the 1970s.
Instead of constructing a new building, a conscious decision was made to preserve and make the existing building more sustainable, making maximum use of reused materials and taking into account its history, sustainability and future-proofing.
The transformation of the old farmhouse blurs the line between old and new.
Historical features such as the renovated brick facade, the wooden roof structure, steel columns and even details from the former stable have been preserved and remain visible. The roof tiles on the preserved dormer window still bear witness to the old farmhouse.
At the same time, the building has been made future-proof through circular design measures and the use of reused materials. For example, the facades have been insulated with harvested mineral wool and finished with reused timber, the roof has been refurbished using surplus sandwich panels, and the shutters are made from industrial offcuts. The building’s installations have also been upgraded with sustainability in mind: the existing central heating boiler has been retained, underfloor heating prepares the building for a future low-temperature system, and solar panels provide energy generation.
The project was realised through close collaboration between the client, the construction team and the users, with continuous attention for the availability of materials.
This dynamic and collaborative approach aligns perfectly with the principles of Scouting, which are centred around reuse and practical action. Superuse was responsible for designing and overseeing the circular process. The Scouts themselves also made an active contribution, including helping to finish the interior. The Scout group’s own maintenance team will also take care of the building’s upkeep.
“We are still more than satisfied with our building. The feedback remains positive. Apart from its circular design, it’s also a perfect blend of old and new elements – it’s simply turned out very well. They’re pleasant spaces to use on a day-to-day basis too.”
— Joost Evers, Chair of Scouting Columbus
The result is a robust, low-maintenance and practical clubhouse with a calm appearance that blends into the landscape. The formal brick facade pays homage to the past, whilst the informal timber-clad sides, featuring large double doors, enhance the building’s functionality and connection with the outdoors.
The building is a successful example of how a modern ‘new’ building can be created from existing structures and secondary ‘old’ materials — no more expensive, just as good, but considerably more sustainable.
Project Credits
Client and contractor
Van der Horst aannemers
User
Scouting Columbus
Design team
Jeroen Bergsma, Paul Helmond, Sanne Verhoeve, Thomas Misset
Structural engineer
Adviesbureau Tielemans
Photography
Frank Hanswijk