The small municipality of Midden-Delfland is a green recreational enclave in the industrialized South Wing of the Randstad. This vulnerable setting inspired the architects of Inbo to design a characteristic building, using the distinctive polder landscape of Midden-Delfland as a leading theme on multiple scale levels. The town hall presents itself like a visitor centre: an approachable, accessible building that interacts with its surroundings. This sustainable residence of Netherlands first Cittaslow-municipality – with quality of life and slow food as its core values – presents itself in an inviting and precious icon.

The town hall has been awarded an A label on energy efficiency and a sustainability score of 235 (Greencalc). This carbon neutral building is literally fed by the landscape. Natural underground wells are utilized for heat and cold storage, regulating the buildings climate. The design choices in the building, its shape and materialization support the high standards for sustainability. The thick thatched roof and triple glazing façades ensure a high level of insulation. Solar cells integrated in the façade generate electricity and serve as sunscreens as well. Located at the very edge of the village of Schipluiden, Inbo chose to adapt the grammar of the polder landscape in the concept of the town hall. The building consists of five alternating volumes corresponding with the parceling of the polder landscape. Three office volumes enclose the daylit volumes of the entrance hall and the public hall volume. The town hall is covered by a softly folded thatched roof, the distinct eye catcher. This roof is inspired by the typical farmhouses in Midden-Delfland and the height differences in of the polder landscape: it contrasts with the transparent façades.

The three storey building is set against a characteristic dyke of the river Gaag. The central position of public spaces on the first floor, such as the public hall with vista across the Gaag river, serves the client-management concept. The spatial entrance hall bathes in daylight, bridging the differences in height between polder and river level by two easily accessible entrances. The perfect position for taking wise decisions about the future of Midden-Delfland has been created by positioning the double high council chamber on first level at the far end of the building: its backfolded roofshape frames the view across the adjacent polder landscape.

The interior reflects the character of Midden-Delfland. The essence of the building is a modest design and use of natural materials. The tiled floor for the public hall refers to the characteristic floors in traditional farmhouses. The carpet pattern throughout the offices resembles an aerial view of a polder landscape.

The street pavement on polder level continues into the entrance hall. In the interior elements, such as facades, counters, pantries and the council table, native wood has been applied. A dynamic and open work environment generates views into public hall and entrance hall, and towards its surroundings: river, village and polder. The town hall is literally connected to the landscape. With its new town hall, the municipality of Midden-Delfland wants to set a sustainable example for its inhabitants and display its core values nationwide.

Year: 2010
Client: Municipality of Midden-Delfland
Size: 5.966 m² (GFA)
Data: fire station: 700 m²
offices: 3,876 m²
communal public functions: 1,390 m²