Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Centre Herlaarhof

A temporary home for children and young people with the most severe mental health conditions – that is what the new building of Herlaarhof, an expert centre for child and adolescent psychiatry, offers at Zorgpark Voorburg in Vught.

Security and comfort

This home provides vulnerable young people with security and trust in the form of friendly, warm wooden cottages with zinc roofs, which resemble an orderly community. In collaboration with Herlaarhof's staff and young clients, EGM designed a building with a homely appearance, both inside and out. Ordinary houses for an extraordinary group.

Extra focus on privacy

Herlaarhof, part of Reinier van Arkel, supports children and young people aged 0 to 23 who experience (complex) problems at home, school, or in relationships with peers. This vulnerable group requires more space and privacy than average. Therefore, the design prioritised calm, cosiness, familiarity, and safety.

Living in a village atmosphere

The nondescript 1970s pavilions were replaced with four linked semi-detached houses. These gabled homes resemble a cross between a detached holiday cottage and a standard residence. From a distance, the buildings look like a residential neighbourhood or small village nestled in the woods. The shape and use of natural materials, such as wood and brickwork, create a friendly and recognisable aesthetic. All houses have their own front and back gardens, and there is plenty of outdoor space for relaxation.

With this design, EGM has created the best possible conditions for children to return quickly to their familiar home environment. And that is what our work ultimately revolves around.

Rita van de Wouw, Director of Herlaarhof

Homely interior design accelerates treatment

The homely feel extends into the interior design. Instead of using impact-resistant materials, the choice was made for more delicate materials in warm colours with a friendly yet robust appearance. This environment in no way resembles a cold, clinical setting. Each house has its own front door, private bedroom with en-suite facilities, and shared spaces such as a lounge, kitchen, and workshop. All technical features are discreetly concealed, and light wooden slats protect window frames and doorposts. There is also ample space for children and young people to retreat. This shielded calm accelerates treatment. To enhance familiarity, each house has its own colour scheme, helping young residents easily identify ‘their’ house from the outside. The result: a pleasant place to work and temporarily live, where young residents feel at home.