The Oversticht provides advice on the spatial quality of our living environment, with a focus on environmental quality, heritage, and sustainability. The organization is housed in two beautiful warehouses in the city center of Zwolle. However, the buildings are outdated in terms of construction, technical installations, and sustainability, and the working environment no longer meets current needs. Additionally, The Oversticht requires less space due to an increase in hybrid working. Natuur en Milieu Overijssel, an organization with which The Oversticht collaborates frequently, was looking for office space and has moved into the warehouses.

Given the field of work of both organizations, a careful approach to the sustainable renovation of the buildings was essential. The end result is a true showcase. The facades and roofs of the two buildings have been insulated from the inside, and the window frames have been fitted with secondary glazing. The gas-powered central heating system has been replaced with a heat pump. Making monumental buildings more sustainable presents both financial and aesthetic challenges. In a construction team consisting of the client, contractor, installer, and Studio Groen+Schild as the architect, various options were explored, and solutions were developed that align well with the national heritage status while staying within budget.

The renovated building is also a showcase for the way of working. The ground floor is designed for interaction and collaboration, featuring a combined eat-work café and meeting spaces that flow seamlessly into one another. The upper floors offer workspaces for communication and focused work, with the higher levels becoming increasingly quieter. The attic houses silent workspaces within a library containing books from both organizations.

Design Team The Oversticht: Studio Groen+Schild, Valstar Smonis, and Ingenieursbureau Gadella

Photography: Mike Bink

Projectteam Studio Groen+Schild:
Ellen Schild, Thijs Bongers, Elkie Goos