A new look for the city
A new municipal office, the Dordthuis, has been built in the station area of Dordrecht. The building brings together various municipal functions and forms a key part of the redevelopment of this area. At the same time, the Dordthuis lends a contemporary look to the entrance to the city.
Clear architecture with an eye for detail
The Dordthuis has been designed as an open and inviting building. The design by Barcode Architects features a clear structure and meticulous detailing. The glass surfaces provide openness and natural light, whilst closed sections in the façade create a sense of calm and rhythm. By playing with offsets and lines, depth is created in the façade’s appearance without it becoming cluttered.
This balance is also reflected in the detailing. Everything looks sleek and recognisable, but behind it lies a meticulous technical execution.
Ceramics as a unifying theme in the façade
The façade of the Dordthuis is characterised by ceramic elements. Horizontal bands, vertical profiles and flat cladding at the roof edge come together to form a single cohesive whole. The strength lies in the repetition and refinement of the details.
All components are fixed invisibly. This creates a calm appearance, where the material and the lines do the work. With this type of façade in particular, it all comes down to good coordination between design and execution.
Sorba’s contribution
For this project, Sorba is supplying the ceramic cladding, including the substructure. This involves not only installation, but also translating the design into a feasible and workable solution.
In addition, Sorba is also installing the ceramic ceiling cladding on the first floor. Here too, a concealed fixing system has been chosen, mounted on an aluminium substructure and fitted with insulation. This ensures a logical continuity of materials from the exterior to the interior.
Building on a complex site
Construction is taking place in a busy area, close to the station. This calls for tight planning and efficient execution. By prefabricating components where possible and assembling them in a smart way, the process remains manageable and predictable.
The perfect finish
The Dordthuis is a project in which design and execution are closely intertwined. Its strength lies in the simplicity of its appearance and the precision of its execution. The ceramic façade and ceiling cladding give the building a calm, sustainable appearance that suits its function and place in the city.
