Utrecht School Renovation: DP6 and i29 Blend Heritage With Modernity

This article explores how Dutch studios i29 and DP6 transformed a 1903 secondary school in Utrecht into Courthouse Building H. The building now serves as a training institute for the Dutch Judiciary and Public Prosecution Service.

The article details the careful restoration that honors the building’s symmetry and craftsmanship. Modern spaces and a fabric‑first sustainability strategy were introduced.

The design reimagines circulation, light, and materials for a 21st‑century judicial training environment. Historic character and contemporary function are balanced throughout the project.

A Historic Core Preserved: Restoring the U-Plan and Craftsmanship

The design teams prioritized the building’s original symmetrical U‑shaped plan, lofty ceilings, and artisanal details. Their goal was to reveal the past by restoring the central vestibule, repairing terrazzo floors, and reintroducing arched openings.

A new glossy black reception desk sits beneath a large suspended light. This creates a respectful yet contemporary arrival point for users.

Symmetry, Light, and Material Reinstatement

Walls, suspended ceilings, and 1990s fire partitions were removed to open up sightlines. The restoration reopens historical routes, allowing clear views from entry to key spaces.

Original globe lights are reinserted along corridors. Window frames, doors, and panelling are redecorated in historic colours to preserve a link to the building’s past.

Function and Spatial Strategy

The ground and first floors now host meeting rooms, classrooms, and studios for training programs. The top two floors are open study areas with new glazed openings in dark‑steel frames, contrasting with the original joinery.

A central timber staircase with slender black metal balustrades has been fully restored and re‑parquetted. A sculptural staircase of folded white steel has been inserted to preserve views of stained‑glass windows and enhance circulation.

A Subtle Palette and Timeless Detailing

Color and texture guide users through different zones without overwhelming the historic fabric. The palette is restrained, allowing the building’s geometry and materials to stand out.

Color and Surface Language

Color is applied subtly through acoustic panels and carpeting to differentiate functions. Classrooms feature muted greens and warm yellows, while social areas use beige, dusty terracotta, and coral tones.

This approach supports legibility and comfort. Historic timber details and glazed elements remain prominent.

• Original globe lights reused to reinforce the vertical character of corridors
• Original window frames, doors and panelling redecorated in historic colours
• Timber staircase restored and re‑parqueted for tactile authenticity
• Contrasting white steel staircase preserves stained‑glass views while delivering updated circulation

Sustainability and Craft Preservation: A Fabric-First Approach

The refurbishment adopts a fabric‑first sustainability strategy to improve building performance and protect architectural integrity. Priority was given to the envelope, internal layout efficiency, and low‑impact interventions.

This approach improves energy use and environmental performance while maintaining heritage values.

• Envelope improvements and optimized daylighting to reduce energy demand
• Conservation of historic fabric—repair and reintegration rather than replacement
• Reused and refurbished fixtures and fittings to minimize embodied carbon
• Selective modernization of glazing and mechanical services to balance comfort and character

Project Team and Credits

The transformation of Courthouse Building H was delivered by a collaborative team. The team included structural engineer Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft, contractor J.P. van Eesteren, and client Rijksvastgoedbedrijf.

The architectural photography was by Stijn Poelstra. His images document the blend of history and modern intervention.

 
Here is the source article for this story: DP6 and i29 balance old and new in overhaul of historic school in Utrecht