Oldenhofveste, Zwolle

Like a romantic fortress in the bend of the city canal, the Oldenhofveste complex stands in Zwolle. The ensemble consists of three robust towers and a row of single-family homes. All residences offer panoramic views over the water.

The three towers are positioned at the head of the complex. Each tower contains the living room, while the remaining spaces are situated in an attached rectangular volume. Square balconies are embedded into the towers. Rotating around an invisible axis, the towers and annex are repeated three times.

The brickwork of the towers is particularly striking. Their presence is accentuated by the contrasting brick color. While all the masonry in the project is red, the towers are rendered in a bold grey. Horizontal bands of colored concrete are recessed into the brickwork. Through vertical breaks, the impression is created that the towers are composed of massive segments. This rhythm continues into the façade of the annex, where the material changes to wood and the detailing becomes much finer. As a result, the annex appears more delicate, as though the towers are protecting the rest of the building.


Architect: Herman Zeinstra
Number: 8902
Status: Built
Year: 1989 - 1992
Client: Wilma Vastgoed bv, Nieuwegein

Please download the project PDF for more info about this project.