cepezed designed the renovation of the Van Maerlantlyceum in Eindhoven, a national listed building dating from 1953. Our approach to this living heritage appealed to the jury of the local Dirk Roosenburg Prize: the school building is one of seven nominated projects.
Following renovation and extension, the post-war architectural qualities of the 1953 building have been carefully restored. The relatively closed original structure and the open new additions form an elegant composition. The result is a post-war monument that is simultaneously a fully modern school environment, supporting independent study, collaboration and exploration. cepezed improved circulation, enhanced sustainability through thermal insulation, and emphasised the school's position in the Dommelpark landscape.
Although some later extensions were permitted to be demolished, cepezed aimed to preserve as much as possible. A new classroom block at the rear had minimal impact on the street view. Other new volumes were seamlessly integrated into the existing architecture. A blind exterior wall was replaced by a level entrance, and the former courtyard was roofed over to create an additional auditorium. Where feasible, biobased materials were used. A distinctive feature is the restored and illuminated artworks, such as wall paintings, which have regained their original presence.
The jury particularly appreciated that the listed monument retained its original function while being updated to meet contemporary standards. The Van Maerlantlyceum competes with two other post-war monuments: the TUE sports pavilion (renovation by DP6) and the Melk- en IJsfabriek (transformation by Niels Olivier Architecten and Harrie van Helmond Architecten). The other nominees include Campus Rachelsmolen (featuring design input from OKRA Landscape Architects) and three housing projects: Lighthouse by De Zwarte Hond, Hamsterhof by architecten en en, and the CPO project Meer & Deel by Tom van Tuijn Urbanism, Werkstatt and others.
The biennial Dirk Roosenburg Prize is awarded on behalf of the Eindhoven municipal executive. The 2025 jury consists of Robert Winkel (MEI architects), Bart Reuser (NEXT architects), Nikol Dietz (HNS landscape architects), Merel Pit (De Architect magazine), Fieke van den Beuken (housing corporation Trudo) and Ronald Rijnen (City Development, Municipality of Eindhoven). In the coming months, the jury will visit the nominated projects. The winner will be announced on Thursday afternoon, 16 October, at the Natlab.
van maerlantlyceum nominated for dirk roosenburg prize
