Model water tower

Doetinchem water tower

Redevelopment of a monumental water tower

  • spring - summer '012
  • TU/e - municipality Doetinchem
  • research - design - visuals - model
  • Honorable mention for innovative design
  • launch project

The redevelopment of seven buildings which now are empty, or in the near future become vacant. All seven buildings are on the list of historical heritage of the municipality of Doetinchem. Given subject: an old and empty water tower.

The first thing of redevelopment is an analysis of what is important about the existing building. Part of conclusion is that the tower is a national monument, because of the abnormal shape. Normally a water tower is round, but the water tower of Doetinchem is rectangular. This striking shape makes it possible for the construction to be a most interesting grid of horizontal and vertical lines. The outside of the building, a masonry shell, almost contradicts the beautiful inside, the grid of oversized columns and beams. By peeling of the skin of the building and by sliding rectangular volumes into the construction the new shapes emphasise the old geometrical form.

Program

The construction was designed to carry an extensive weight of the tank in the upper part of the tower. By re-using the tank for water, the value of the construction stays intact. Although a water tower is not necessary anymore, the new function with water is adopted as a diving tower. In the tank diving courses can be given, as preparation for diving in open water. Related functions, as a changing room, a classroom and a staff room are also present. Because of the clandestine wish of the current owner for a exploitable idea, the diving tower can also be used for groups as a day activity. This is the reason for a small catering area in the middle and an information point at the bottom of the tower.

Collage

By placing the volumes into the existing structure, a visual collages appears. The volumes are consistent of size. By choosing different materials for different functions the collage gets emphasised. The open stairwell stands out because of the usage of perforated steel. This assures the fact that the stairwell can also be used in case of fire. The other façades consist of a system of steel onlay, for an industrial appearance. The careful combination of new materials and volumes accentuates the old construction, and guarantees that the water tower of Doetinchem becomes an eye-cather on the horizon.