Of nuns, soldiers and croupiers
One of the largest casinos in Europe has been located in Breda since June, where Holland Casino moved to a new home in the monumental monastery barracks. The interior of the public spaces and non-public representative spaces was designed by M+R interior architecture. M+R created a design that combines respect for the monument with the allure and opulent atmosphere of a casino.
Restoration and renovation of the monumental building the 'Kloosterkazerne' in Breda for Holland Casino
Project:
2003
Year:
Breda
Place:
Holland Casino
HOLLAND CASINO
The building was founded as a monastery around 1300 and was expanded several times in the following centuries. The original monastery church was replaced by a double church in 1502. The nuns left the monastery in the 16th century and it subsequently housed an illustrious school and residences. In 1814, the monastery was converted into barracks, with floors added to the monastery church to create sleeping quarters for the soldiers. In 1975 the army left and the building stood empty for some time.
Time layers
M+R was chosen from six firms by client Holland Casino in consultation with architectural firm Kraaijvanger Urbis; Dirk Jan Postel, who was responsible for the restoration and renovation of the monastery barracks. OMA designed the parking garage, connected via an underground corridor to the new combined entrance of the casino and the immediately adjacent Chassé theater by Herman Hertzberger (from 1995). During the restoration, Kraaijvanger Urbis kept the national monument and the new additions as separate as possible. M+R opted for an interior concept that fits in with this and where there is respect for the monument everywhere, a beautiful building, almost untouchable.” The theme of the concept is time layers: past (the spaces in the monument), present (the central playroom) and future (the play cellar for visitors up to 40 years old). In addition, the contrast between monastery, barracks and casino is depicted.
The monastery barracks has a U-shape, with the open side closed by the Chassé theater. Theater and casino now have a shared entrance.
Description:
