Historic Van Houten School reopens as sustainable community hub after major renovation
Residents of Oosterpark neighborhood can now enjoy a fully renovated, energy-efficient community center in the former Van Houten School. The project, a collaboration between locals and the municipality, preserves history while offering modern amenities and activities for all ages.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Van Houten School, Oosterpark neighborhood, Netherlands |
| Reopening Date | March 21, 2026 |
| Energy Label Upgrade | From G to A (remarkable for a national monument) |
| Sustainability Features | Solar panels, heat pumps, custom glass solutions, hidden installations |
| Historical Discoveries | 13 layers of paint, old bed from WWII hospital use |
| Activities at Reopening | Yoga, Bolingo, music for toddlers, Lego building, cupcake decorating |
| Project Partners | Municipality, architects, WerkPro, Oosterpark Playground Association |
The municipality played a key role in facilitating the renovation of the Van Houten School, ensuring compliance with national monument regulations while enabling sustainability upgrades. This project reflects the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering community spaces through collaborative efforts with residents and local organizations.
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Read the full translated article below
“This is a beautiful building, really awesome!”
After years of dreaming, designing, and collaborating, the renovated community center at Van Houten will open on March 21. The community center is housed in the former Van Houten School, which underwent a major renovation to become more sustainable and was connected to the former Venster School. “This community center keeps the neighborhood alive and is a bit like the glue holding the neighborhood together. I hope everyone feels welcome here,” says local resident Chris Bax.
It all started with a dream. After the demolition of the Treslinghuis community center in 2017, residents of the Oosterpark neighborhood missed a place to gather. Their plan: open a community center in the former Van Houten School. The Van Houten School and the adjacent Venster School turned out to be suitable. The only issue? The buildings were outdated and no longer fit for modern use. The Van Houten School, a national monument, especially required extensive renovation.
Around the table
This is how local resident Chris Bax, along with other neighbors, met weekly with the municipality, architects, WerkPro, and the Oosterpark Playground Association. “We’re not only proud that the community center has been fully renovated and transformed, but also that it was a joint effort between the construction team and the neighborhood,” says project leader Sytze Stutterheim.
Old bed
During the renovation, various surprises emerged. In the hallways, a color study revealed no fewer than thirteen layers of paint, each showing how the building had changed over the years. Even an old bed was found in the crawl space—a quiet reminder of the time the building served as a makeshift hospital during World War II. These discoveries highlight the building’s rich history and sometimes influenced how the restoration was carried out.
“Energy label A is quite special for a national monument”
Renovating a national monument requires careful consideration of what fits. For example, new installation work was hidden in concealed attic spaces above the ceilings, a solution that preserves the building’s historic character. The sustainability upgrades also required custom solutions. The Van Houten School went from energy label G to A—a remarkable achievement for a national monument. “We placed the solar panels and heat pumps in such a way that they’re almost invisible,” explains Sytze.
“We examined which glass fit each facade”
The glass also required a special approach. “Glass can lead to heat loss. But the most insulating options don’t always suit the different window frames in the building. For example, you can’t use highly insulating glass in steel frames because it causes condensation. That’s why we examined each facade and type of window frame to find the most suitable solution.”
How does the tree grow?
Even the large, monumental maple tree at the entrance required custom work, as its design and foundation had to be aligned with the tree’s growth. “We measured down to the centimeter how the tree will grow over the coming decades. The position of the new connection was even determined to the millimeter relative to the tree.”
Welcome!
“I think it’s a beautiful building. Architect Siebe Jan Bouma came up with so many clever ideas for his time—I find that really impressive,” says local resident Chris. “That was one of the reasons I was motivated to get involved with the community center. But most importantly, it’s an enormous enrichment: it keeps the neighborhood alive and is a bit like the glue holding it together. I hope everyone feels welcome here.”
Saturday, March 21, marks the official reopening at Van Houten, starting at 10:30 AM. Come discover what’s on offer at the community center that day! Take a look at the textile recycling workshop and the new kitchen. Or join fun workshops like yoga, Bolingo, music and movement for toddlers, Lego building, painting, decorating cupcakes, and much more. Check the full program on the website of bij Van Houten.