The challenge of the Watertower Utrech renovation project was to create openings that would allow a good amount of daylight to enter, a beautiful outdoor area with a view of the cathedral, and secure elevator and staircase access: interventions that were carefully integrated into the architecture of the 100-year-old monument by Zecc Architecten
A crumbling national monument is transformed into exclusive residences in the Utrecht Watertower
After years of neglect, the Watertower on the Amsterdamsestraatweg in Utrecht has been given a new use: an exclusive six-story residence in the former cistern, three apartments in the lower part of the tower, and a commercial space on the ground floor
In the lower part of the water tower, from the first to the third floor, three identical studio apartments were built on the existing floors. The character of the sturdy brickwork and wood or concrete beams was preserved as much as possible in these spaces
For the studio apartments, three large openings were made in the façade as a new "time layer," with steel folding doors on Corten steel frames. When the facade is fully open, a compact loggia is created in the house as an outdoor space
At the top of Watertower Utrech, in the former water reservoir, is a 400 m2 house on six floors. The house begins on the fourth floor, where there is an entrance and access to a private elevator. The warm rust color and masonry made visible again, combined with the white and walnut wood of the new interventions, give a light, warm and unique entrance to the house
On the 'journey' upward, the lower part houses the more private functions, such as guest rooms, relaxation area, and storage room. The space opens upward more and more, creating a spectacular succession of planes, voids and glimpses
The tank's rust-colored steel walls are visible throughout the house. Together with the floating concrete floor, they give the house a warm, industrial character. New interventions made with white, modern volumes and walnut parts complete this balance
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