GGD Gelderland-Zuid
Health centre GGD Gelderland-Zuid is a safe space where aesthetics and humanity come together. While limited by a tight budget, Joost Roefs from architectural firm De Twee Snoeken created an abstract layered design, riddled with symbolism. The modern yet welcoming treatment facility features ultraslim windows and sliding doors by Reynaers Aluminium. Moreover, the project has won the 2025 Reynaers Projectprijs in the Netherlands.
Joost Roefs, architect at De Twee Snoeken
Warmth through architecture
The GGD centre is not just another medical office. Its main purpose is to be a haven for socially vulnerable people, such as victims of abuse, people living in poverty, and the like. “We were challenged to design a building where people can feel safe. Not only employees, but also visitors who often deal with stressful situations,” says Joost Roefs. This main objective implied empathy at the core of the architectural design.
“People are eased into the building, guided by two main entrances surrounded by intimate gardens,” continues Roefs. “Once inside, the centrally located reception desk immediately catches your eye. We placed it there deliberately, to ensure a clear overview for all visitors. Nobody who has to visit the centre should stress about where to go next – the building’s layout clears the way for you.”
Humility prevails in every detail – there are no grand staircases or excentric design statements. Waiting rooms are positioned in such a way that respects people’s privacy if need be. In contrast to your typical clinically white hospitals, the warmth of the wooden interior gives shape to an inviting open space, separated in different layers.
A layered façade
On the outside, the main eyecatcher of the GGD centre is its deceivingly abstract façade. The windows are not installed in the building envelope, but rather layered on top of it. They are used as decorative elements, adding structure to the remarkable façade. Roefs: “It is quite an unusual solution, but it adds a whole new dimension to the design. The windows almost look like canvases mounted on a wall, which gives for a surprising effect.” An additional benefit to this layered approach is that you create more depth and shadow – which raises the sense of privacy, especially in the treatment rooms.
Daylight entrance is another crucial aspect of the health centre’s layout. “On the northern side, we incorporated large openings since no direct sunlight is hitting the building over there. On the eastern, western and southern side, we chose for smaller windows that feature sun-resistant glass with a subtle printed pattern. The pattern covers about 34% of the glass surface, blocking the heat without need for mechanical HVAC systems – an aesthetic and budget-friendly solution.”
SlimLine 38 windows and HiFinity sliding doors ensure maximum transparency, thanks to their ultraslim look and feel. Additionally, subtly integrated MasterLine 8 Ventilation Vents create a healthy indoor climate through passive cooling. “Combining these Reynaers Aluminium systems gave us the liberty to ensure the overall aesthetics of the building without compromising on technical performance such as air tightness, water tightness and thermal insulation,” Joost Roefs explains.
Trusted partnership
To achieve this beautiful high-quality result, De Twee Snoeken collaborated with Dutch façade builder Haro Aluminium. This family-owned business has been a trusted Reynaers Aluminium partner for many years, and when the question came to help build the GGD Gelderland-Zuid health centre, they were up for the job.
General manager Jan van de Scheur explains how the Haro team was involved: “The prescription text mentioned the façade needed to include SlimLine 38 Cubic windows by Reynaers Aluminium. That is right up our alley.” The project came with its fair share of challenges too. “The patterned sheets of glass proved a logistical challenge. It took a lot of coordination with the contractor and glass supplier. We had to order different print samples while looking for the perfect glazing option for the profile system. Every detail needed to be just right. Luckily, thanks to the technical quality and design flexibility of the Reynaers Aluminium solutions, we were able to guarantee a swift and efficient production process.”
With the help of Reynaers Aluminium, we were able to guarantee a swift and efficient production process.
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Jan van de Scheur, Haro Aluminium
Strength in vulnerability
When asked what inspired his team to design such an exceptional building project, Joost Roefs refers to British-Swiss philosopher Alain de Botton, who once said: “Most of the time, we have to be strong, we must not show our fragility. We have known that since the schoolyard. There is always a fragile bit of us, but we keep it very hidden. Yet Venetian glass does not apologise for its weakness. It admits its delicacy; it is confident enough to demand careful treatment.”
“We took the fragility of Venetian glass as inspiration; it symbolises the vulnerability of the visitors, yet it stands out for its impeccable beauty too,” concludes Roefs. A fitting homage to the noble cause of the GGD health centre. The combination of impactful and human-oriented architecture has earned the centre the 2025 Reynaers Projectprijs (People's Choice category). Architectural firm De Twee Snoeken and façade builder Haro Aluminium received the award and €2,500 each, to donate to their preferred local charity. That is how passion for architecture can help build a better future!
