The former bank building on the market quare has been transformed by GROUP A, in collaboration with Fabrique and ABT, into a lively, sustainable and inclusive meeting place for the entire community. The redevelopment was commissioned by Gemeente Bladel and Den Herd.
From closed bank building to open meeting place
Cultural center BRUIS brings more than 45 associations and organizations together under one roof. The transformed building accommodates a theater, library and café, making it the new beating heart of the community. In the design, we focused on meeting, transparency and connection with the city.
The atrium as the heart of the building
Central to the design is an atrium that spatially and visually connects the floors of the building. Generous wooden stairs allow visitors to spontaneously meet each other. This public route contributes to interaction, social safety and the feeling of collective use, and visually establishes a connection with the Market.
Landmark on the Market
A new characteristic volume featuring a panoramic room and balconies, opens the building to the market square. Its transparent floor-to-ceiling facade reveals the inner world to the outside world. A distinctive timber canopy in a steel frame marks the entrance and doubles as a the logo of BRUIS.
Multifunctional theater hall
A new volume has also been added at the back, housing a flexible hall. This space is designed for multiple uses: as a true theater hall and as an event space, with a direct link to the atrium and foyer. Thanks to partially descendable stage sections, a telescopic extendable grandstand and sliding panels for acoustic absorption, the hall can adapt to a variety of programs and user groups.
Sustainable transformation and circular reuse
Cultural Center BRUIS is a showcase of sustainable redevelopment. By preserving and transforming the existing building, significant savings in material use and CO₂ emissions were achieved. The structure remained largely intact, and was given sustainable features such as air/water heat pumps, storage and reuse of rainwater and future-proof insulation. Materials from demolished building parts were reused, such as window frames, brickwork, ductwork and induction units.
Design in co-creation
BRUIS is the result of an intensive, iterative design process in close collaboration with all users and stakeholders. Their wishes and interests were carefully weighed and integrated into a clear and coherent design vision. This involvement has resulted in a building that reflects collective ownership and cohesion.
Facts
Client
Gemeente Bladel / Den Herd
Assignment
Renovation, transformation and new build
Location
Markt, Bladel
Area
8.411 m2
Function
Cultural center with theater, library and café
Start design
September 2020
Start construction
Juni 2023
Completed
April 2025
In collaboration with
ABT, Velp and Fabrique, Amsterdam
