National monument ‘De Volharding’ in ARTIS sustainably restored

Published on Monday, December 19News

In ARTIS, the restoration of the building ‘De Volharding’ has been successfully completed. This former rice warehouse from 1866, a national monument, has been made sustainable and future-proof. ARTIS commissioned color- and building history research to to restore the appearance of the building to the 1922-design by architect Ouëndag.
In addition, solar panels in zinc color have been placed on the roof of the building, making it the first national monument with solar panels in the same color scheme as the roof. The restoration was realized in collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, and was made possible in part by government subsidies and private contributions.

Sustainable restoration
‘De Volharding’ has been made more sustainable by installing insulation, insulated monumental glass and solar panels. The sustainability is in line with ARTIS’ ambition to be a park without an ecological footprint by 2030. ARTIS works on the sustainability goals in all buildings and accommodation that are being renovated. The restored and renovated ARTIS-Groote Museum (from 1855) opened earlier this year. The Aquarium (from 1882) is the next national monument to be restored on a large scale.

About ‘De Volharding’
The building is one of the 26 national monuments in ARTIS. It was first a rice warehouse, purchased in 1866 to house cattle. In 1888 it was converted into an Ethnographic Museum and later it was renamed Zoological Laboratory for the University of Amsterdam (1922). Since 1986, ARTIS offices have been located in the building. The high vulture aviary on the west side of the Volharding was opened in 2003.

ARTIS, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40