On Saturday, September 5th, 2015 the official opening of Dock in Hernesseroord, close to the Dutch town Middelburg, assigned by the Zuidwester Foundation took place. Zuidwester provides care and support to vulnerable people in the Dutch provinces of Zeeland, South-Holland and West-Brabant. EGM architects designed an open and welcoming meeting place for local residents and clients replacing the existing, outdated facilities on the premises.
The new day care building The Dock has become an environment where clients with (slightly) intellectual disabilities work in the brasserie Dok16, print and copy shop, Atelier Art World and shop.
The new building is located in an environment where water and green predominate. The building is prominently visible from the main entrance of the site and also an inviting meeting place for visitors from outside. The various outdated and scattered daily activities features come together under this new roof. EGM architecten designed a striking transparent and day care building, which is accessible from various sides.
The Dock is transparent, while offering protection. The facades consist of storey-high windows, allowing plenty of natural light to enter. Also one looks out onto the green surroundings. Wooden parts in the façade create a natural look. They also give shelter to areas that need it. The canopy that extends integrally, is both open and inviting as sheltering. Thus, each client group can reach dry his own workplace. This is possible from the outside via a private entrance and private space.
The brasserie Dok16 has the largest overhang above a spacious outdoor terrace. This 'outdoor room' offers both during rainy and sunny times a good view on the main entrance and the Children's farm. She is thus the welcome from Hernesseroord. "The Dock has become a beautiful meetingplace where not only clients and employees have been given a nice job, but where residents and visitors also are welcome!", according to Martin Breed, Regional Managing Director a.i. Zuidwester
Source:
Magazine 'Bouwen aan de Zorg' and Zuidwester