Rijksvastgoedbedrijf

Ministry of defence

The Ministry of Defence has been an important part of The Hague for many years, with its main office located on Kalvermarkt for centuries. Over time, the building grew in different stages, especially until the mid-1900s. By the early 2000s, however, it became clear that a major renovation was needed. A comprehensive renovation and modernization were required, both to update the working areas and to integrate the separate components of the building into a cohesive whole.

project

Ministerie van Defensie
location

The Hague
client

Rijksgebouwendienst
size

35.000 m²
period

2006 – 2012
status

Built
ontwerp

Sander Architecten
project architects

Ellen Sander, Jeroen Spee, Jeroen Steenvoorden & Baukje van der Steeg
building engineerring

VDNDP Bouwingenieurs
constructor

Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft

A Unified Design Through Architectural Ingenuity

The solution came in the form of a bold architectural decision: covering the Ministry’s existing courtyards with a new concrete structure. This approach transformed the individual sections of the building into a unified whole, creating a new entrance system on the ground floor. The cross-shaped layout allows efficient movement throughout the building and serves as a subtle reference to the detailing of the façade, originally designed by architect and former Rijksbouwmeester G. Friedhoff, along with Rijksarchitect Hoekstra.

One of the most striking elements of the renovation is the innovative roof design. It is robust yet refined, aligning perfectly with the Ministry’s core identity. The roof’s supporting columns are strategically placed, mimicking the arrangement of trees in a forest, creating a sense of organic flow. The overall construction is based on two levels: a primary structure made from a combination of prefabricated and in-situ concrete, and a secondary grid of composite materials paired with pyramid-shaped skylight domes.