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Article from issue 6/2003 »Simple Forms of Building«

Hotel in Groningen

documentation p. 622 - 625
Architect foreign office architects |

Drafts
1:10 Horizontal and vertical section
1:200 Floor plans
1:200 Section
1:2000 Site plan

Erected in the Dutch town of Groningen in 2001, the Aparthotel stands in a little square in a district with small docks, warehouses and guest houses. In its closed state, the hotel has a striking form, resembling a plain storage structure. In use, however, as the various shutters and doors begin to open, the building is transformed in appearance. Similarly, the outer skin undergoes a change at night. The corrugated metal facade is finely perforated, and the surfaces that seem opaque by day shimmer when the lights are turned on inside. The creation of a hotel with a café, barand restaurant has revitalized the square. From the roof terrace, guests enjoy a view over the surrounding old town centre.