cultural centre lievekamp

developments at raadhuislaan 

Through a housing development project commissioned by Lister Buildings, cepezed became involved in the plans for the Raadhuislaan in Oss, where De Lievekamp is also located. Lister made its plot available for the realisation of the theatre's intended new building, allowing it to remain open to the public during construction. As a result, cepezed's design expanded from housing development to an urban planning project, including a larger theatre. At the same time, lcp-circulair(a joint venture between cepezedprojects and Lagemaat) was engaged in a tender from the Municipality of The Hague for the dismantling of the Scheveningen Zuiderstrand Theatre. It was a case of perfect timing, especially given the sustainability ambitions of the Municipality of Oss and the theatre’s commitment to the project.

building with a story 

The Zuiderstrand Theatre is being dismantled by lcp-circulair and stored in Oss, where it will be reassembled as the new main auditorium (900 seats) of De Lievekamp. The existing hall of De Lievekamp will become the middle auditorium (350 seats), and a small studio theatre (100 seats) will also be added. In addition to these performance spaces, the venue will feature foyers and offices, a state-of-the-art ‘back of house’, as well as studios and workshops used by cultural centre Muzelinck. A theatre is already an inspiring building by nature, but incorporating reuse makes it even more remarkable. This is undeniably a building with a story. A perfect example of this philosophy is how the individual light fixtures from the Zuiderstrand Theatre will soon be clustered into a dazzling, circular chandelier.

repurposed staircase void 

cepezed believes that transformation and reuse should always outweigh new construction. From our other circular projects, we have learned that a relocated building functions best when it retains its original purpose. This approach minimises material waste. The Zuiderstrand Theatre is being reconstructed almost one-to-one, though the main auditorium has been adapted and optimised for its new use in Oss. The staircase void has been repurposed, now featuring a new, two-storey high bar unit with mezzanines on both sides. Structurally, the design has been slightly modified as well (some bracing elements have been repositioned to enhance functionality).

internal street 

A bright, daylight-filled space between the former Zuiderstrand Theatre and the existing Lievekamp auditorium serves as an internal street, providing clarity and cohesion. Extending from the central public entrance, this space houses the cloakroom and the entrance to the middle auditorium. The internal street acts as a sound buffer while also harmonising the ‘colliding’ materials, structures, and floor heights that naturally come with circular construction. Recognisable theatre colours (deep blue and rich red) feature prominently in and around the auditoriums, while the rest of the spaces remain neutral, allowing the materials and natural light to take centre stage. Thanks to the introduction of this internal street, the floor plan remains compact. During construction, it also serves as a safety divide, ensuring that the current auditorium remains in use while the main auditorium is being built, and vice versa.

next level puzzle 

An architectural design is always a puzzle, especially for a complex project like a theatre. Backstage and public routes must remain separate, theatre technology requires a significant amount of space, and the building must be visually appealing both while full or empty. Choosing circularity takes this challenge to the next level, as reused components must be integrated as completely as possible to minimise environmental impact. This process requires recognising the aesthetic and structural potential of existing elements while ensuring functionality remains the top priority. The result is unmistakably cepezed: architecture with a high level of detailing, a pleasant and harmonious spatial layout, abundant natural light, and optimal efficiency in use.

curtain façade 

The façades will soon radiate more of a theatrical atmosphere than they do now. The recessed glass base allows passersby to take a glimpse at the activity inside. Above, perforated aluminium panels are draped around the building in a vertical rhythm, reminiscent of the folds of a stage curtain. In certain areas, such as near the foyer of the studio theatre, this ‘curtain’ is strategically ‘drawn aside.’ Where windows sit behind the panels, the perforations still provide enough visibility to the outside. Upward-facing lighting at the base of the folds further enhances the building’s theatrical character. But once inside, visitors will discover many more beauty, just as one would expect from a theatre and cultural centre.