Mercado in Groningen stands as a testament to architectural innovation and urban renewal, crafted through a collaborative effort between De Zwarte Hond and Loer Architecten. Commissioned by MWPO and Beauvast, this project not only revitalizes the city center but also sets a remarkable example of sustainability, transforming the urban landscape into a vibrant and eco-conscious meeting place.
Mercado in Groningen Technical Information
- Architects: De Zwarte Hond & Loer Architecten
- Location: Rode Weeshuisstraat/Stalplein, Groningen, Netherlands
- Topics: Ceramic in Architecture
- Area: 8,400 m2
- Project Year: 2020 – 2023
- Photographs: © Marcel Ijzerman
The urban plan gives the city centre’s north side the sophistication it deserves. Mercado and the redesigned Rode Weeshuisstraat give the city centre a boost. The monumental plinth, greenery and ceramic facade add an exceptional quality to the centre of Groningen.
– De Zwarte Hond Architects
Mercado in Groningen Photographs
Mercado in Groningen: Transforming Urban Space
Mercado plays a pivotal role in the urban redevelopment plan for Rode Weeshuisstraat, transforming it from a dark side street into a vibrant meeting place at the front of the city center’s north side. The inclusion of Mercado, with its generous 6-meter-high transparent plinth, has created a new city square that fosters pedestrian interactions, replacing what was once a V&D department store warehouse.
The scale of Mercado is carefully designed to bridge the gap between the larger buildings on Grote Markt and the smaller ones on the north side of Rode Weeshuisstraat. This stepped volume ensures that the building harmonizes with the surrounding cityscape while maintaining its distinct identity.
Mercado’s facade is a work of art in itself, featuring ceramic elements with a blue-green glaze. This unique glaze gives the building a dynamic appearance, changing color with different weather conditions. This adds a touch of artistry to the structure, referencing the historical buildings of Groningen and the raw aesthetics of post-war architecture.
The project incorporates various sustainable elements, including a natural gas-free design, thermal energy system (TES), heat pumps, and a vertical garden along the facade with 3,800 plants to enhance biodiversity. Climbing plants on the south facade provide privacy and greenery to the balconies, while the stepped volume offers roof terraces adorned with colorful plants and trees.
Over the course of five years, Rode Weeshuisstraat has undergone a remarkable transformation from a neglected side street to a sophisticated and unique urban space. Mercado, with its monumental plinth, greenery, and ceramic facade, has contributed significantly to revitalizing Groningen’s city center.
Mercado in Groningen blends seamlessly with the city’s historical and post-war architecture while providing a dynamic and sustainable living environment for its residents and visitors. This project reflects the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that De Zwarte Hond and Loer Architecten are known for.
Mercado in Groningen Plans
Mercado in Groningen Image Gallery
About De Zwarte Hond
De Zwarte Hond is a design agency for architecture, urban design, and strategy, with offices in Groningen, Rotterdam, and Cologne. Through a combination of social commitment and craftsmanship, the firm creates high-quality projects that are sensitive to their context, the needs of users, and the vision of the customer.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Contractor: Plegt-Vos Noord
- Structural Engineer: Dijkhuis
- Installation Consultant: ABT Wassenaar
- Building Physic Consultant: Noorman Bouw- en milieu advies
- Installations: Aalbers Dijkhuis ingenieurs
- Client: Developers MWPO and Beauvast
