At the presentation of the 2025 Berlagevlag, the care centre of PI Haaglanden received an honourable mention - the Berlage Pennant. The jury of the Hague architecture award praised the creativity with which the project was realised. They regret, though understand, that the building is not accessible to the public. The sustainable approach was described as exemplary, and the jury commended the project for ‘developing a coherent concept that, despite its complexity, truly constitutes a healing environment.’
humane detention
Officially known as the Judicial Centre for Somatic Care, the care facility of PI Haaglanden is a successful pilot for low-nitrogen construction and a fine example of the ‘humane detention’ philosophy promoted by the Custodial Institutions Agency. Large, grille-free windows offer views of dune vegetation, and timber is used throughout the building, even in its structure. The highly complex programme combines detention, security, and healthcare within 3,300 square metres.
abundant daylight
cepezed and cepezedinterieur designed a light-filled environment featuring soft colours, extensive timber finishes, and large windows without bars. Sant en Co designed the garden. ‘Great attention has been paid to daylight entry, colour choices, the strong visual connection between inside and outside, and the green courtyards,’ the jury concluded after visiting the facility. ‘Sustainability is woven throughout the entire concept with minimal nitrogen emissions, a biobased construction approach, demountable details wherever possible, and the use of a modular design.’
low-nitrogen construction
The building was realised with minimal nitrogen emissions due to its proximity to two Natura 2000 areas. The use of electric transport and construction equipment required lightweight prefab elements. Luckily a cepezed’s area of expertise. Challenges included the limited availability of electric equipment, which was partly overcome by purchasing rather than renting. Monitoring has shown that the target of a maximum nitrogen deposition of 0.005 mol N/ha/year has been achieved. Importantly, the all-electric construction site caused minimal disturbance on the prison grounds, where other buildings still house inmates.
congratulations!
Our thanks to the Custodial Institutions Agency, the Central Government Real Estate Agency, consortium DPCP, cepezedinterieur, Buro Sant en Co Landscape Architecture, IMD Consulting Engineers, Overdevest, LBP Sight, Du Prie Bouw & Ontwikkeling, Steegman Electrotechniek, Putman, and Timmers Practical Construction Logistics for their teamwork and commitment to shared ambitions.
And of course, congratulations to Zeeuwse Jongens and VWVL on winning the Berlagevlag and Berlagewimpel with the renovation of the Berlagekerk and the transformation of Burgemeester Elsenlaan 321!
