Hendrik Baskeweg in Dutch news

26-02-2025

Anyone opening today's newspaper Volkskrant will be surprised with a wonderful item about ‘our’ Hendrik Baskeweg, the architectural upgrade that has brought lustre back not only to the building, but also to the once ‘ugliest city in the Netherlands’.

In collaboration with housing foundation Woningstichting Den Helder, Kokon transformed two post-war gallery flats into unique residential buildings. ‘They were monotonous complexes and certainly not beautiful,’ says architect Ron van Leeuwen. ‘So I thought: what do people consider to be a truly beautiful building?’ He ended up with Gaudí's Casa Milà.

Inspired by this, Van Leeuwen placed convex balconies, which he had made with 3D concrete printers, against the existing balconies and galleries - an innovative and sustainable solution that not only enriches the streetscape, but also creates generous outdoor spaces for residents. Find out more about the design here.

‘When the second flat is completed in March, the world's largest 3D printed project will stand right here,’ Ron says proudly.

This is not the first time Kokon has upgraded existing buildings in Den Helder. Previously, the Baljuwflat, the Heiligharn and the porch flats on the Duinroos were successfully tackled, each a great example of innovative architecture and sustainable urban renewal.

Report by: Kirsten Hannema
Hendrik Baskeweg in cooperation with: Bruil, Movares, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Renovum, Municipality of Den Helder