Oldenhofveste, Zwolle

Like a romantic citadel on the bend in the river, stands the Oldenhofveste complex in Zwolle. The whole complex comprises three sturdy towers and a row of single-family homes. These residences, united in material and colour, have three floors with a large balcony, a front garden and a large back garden. All the apartments have a panoramic view over the river. The three towers at the head of the complex contain the living rooms. The rest of the space is situated in a rectangular extension. Square balconies are attached to the towers, and, rotating round an invisible axis, the tower and its extension is repeated three times. What is striking is the towers' brickwork. The rhythm of the bricks is a reference to the stacked aspect of the towers, whose bricks' individual colour highlights them even more. All the other brickwork is red, but the towers are tough grey. Horizontal strips of coloured concrete are recessed in the brick walls. Vertical interruptions suggest that these are large segments, with this rhythm continuing into the window front of the extension. There, however, timber is used and the construction is much more detailed, giving it a more vulnerable appearance than the towers. It is as if the towers are protecting the rest of the building.


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

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