1. The project: Kunstwerf, Groningen

In October 2019, Groningen municipality started construction of the Kunstwerf: new accommodation for four theatre companies on Bloemsingel. The complex housed rehearsal spaces and workshops for five performing arts institutions. The heart of the Kunstwerf will be an enclosed courtyard that serves as the main stage surrounded by rehearsal spaces and workshops. The building is flexible in design. Account has been taken of the fact that organisations can change over time. 

Design by Ard de Vries and Donna van Milligen Bielke
The Kunstwerf building is a design by Ard de Vries and Donna van Milligen Bielke. This design was chosen from 107 entries. The jury considered this design to be urbanly interesting because of its intertwining with the historical environment. The open indoor space around which the practice rooms and workshops are located will be given a garden design by renowned garden architect Piet Oudolf.

2. Byldis contribution

Byldis produced and supplied 202 architectural facade elements. The majority of these elements were made using a project-specific black decorative mix. After production, these elements were polished and/or blasted. A small portion of the project was executed using a white concrete mix where the elements were used as fair-faced concrete in the building without any special finishing.

3. Why was Byldis chosen?

Because of the quality Byldis can deliver and because Byldis is one of the few that has mastered automated polishing.

4. Challenges & solutions

5. Facts & figures

6. Footage

The models and image montages received from Ard de Vries (architecten).

Photos during construction: Niek Basten

Final result photos: Marleen Annema

7. More information

• Gemeente Groningen
• Geveke Bouw - Kunstwerf Groningen