Best Building of the Year 2024

Faculty of ITC at the University of Twente

The professional jury of the BNA Best Building of the Year election has named the University of Twente's ITC Faculty as Best Building of the Year 2024. The VMRG Hallmark was once again a sponsor of this event. The winning building features large aluminum windows, realized under the VMRG Hallmark, that provide optimal light. Public favorite is Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen. The aluminum and steel windows of this public winner were also realized under VMRG Hallmark by JM van Delft & zn.

The jury led by Marcia Luyten sees building as more than just designing and delivering a building. Buildings shape streets, neighborhoods and communities. They play a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy. This year's competition was chosen from 96 entries. Projects ranged from residential buildings and nature pavilions to museums and educational buildings. The emphasis was on renovation and transformation. These projects show that renovation can be both financially and socially rewarding. The jury of the BNA Best Building of the Year 2024 consists of leading architects, clients and a political representative.

Innovative and sustainable design

The ITC Faculty, designed by Civic Architects & VDNDP, Studio Groen+Schild and DS Landscape Architects, is located in a former laboratory on the TU Twente campus. The building, originally brutalist, has been transformed into an open and light "learning landscape. Four atriums, filled with trees, plants and a water feature, bring light and air into the building. New oak walls and bamboo floors add warmth to the interior.

The jury praised the architects for their incisive interventions. They have transformed the building from a functional laboratory into an inspiring educational space. The unique dimensions of the building have been turned into an asset and the installation technology has been ingeniously concealed in the floors. By applying heat recovery and solar panels, the building operates energy efficiently. The design with planting provides an attractive indoor climate and atmosphere. The result is a sustainable, flexible and future-proof space. Here students and researchers feel at home and are encouraged to interact and collaborate.

This winning project highlights the important role of architects in addressing societal challenges. By transforming existing structures and working with reused and renewable materials, architects contribute to sustainable and livable cities.

Audience winner 

The existing Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen has been expanded with a new entrance, a museum café and store and exhibition space, a design by Diederendirrix. Outside, you immediately feel the special atmosphere because of the large cut-out made in the facade. A large window in the façade is also positioned precisely so that the view of Van Gogh's childhood home opposite is framed like a painting. The tall bright entrance space acts as a "village hall room," according to the jury. The expansion of the museum enhances Nuenen's identity as a 'Van Gogh village.'