The municipality of Heerlen and Wonen Limburg take the next step in the transformation of the former DSM headquarters

The project forms a strategic link between the Eikenderveld district, the Ter Worm nature reserve, and the city center, contributing to Heerlen's broader urban and social ambitions. The tender covered both the transformation of the striking office building and the redevelopment of the surrounding area. The focus was not only on the physical challenge, but primarily on the social value, spatial quality, and future sustainability of the location. Based on these principles, Laudy, together with a multidisciplinary team of specialized partners – Paul de Ruiter Architects, DELVA Landscape Architecture & Urbanism, Braining the Future, Skonk, Getting To We, IMd, Peutz, and Linssen Engineering – developed an integrated vision that was convincing due to the interrelationship between architecture, landscape, circularity, quality of life, and social impact.

From ambition to realization

The redevelopment of the former DSM headquarters is the result of a joint ambition by the municipality of Heerlen and Wonen Limburg to give this iconic location new meaning. From an early stage, a plan was developed that goes beyond mere housing and contributes to urban renewal, livability, and connectivity in the city. The tender outcome confirms this approach and marks the next step towards realization.

Subsidies as an accelerator of quality and feasibility

A crucial component of the project is successfully attracting subsidies, which enable the realization of higher ambitions in terms of sustainability, quality, and scale. These resources have played a key role in creating the right preconditions and strengthening the social value of the plan. This makes Hof van Heerlen not only feasible but also future-oriented and robust.

New meaning for an iconic location

Hof van Heerlen will be a future-proof urban space where living, socializing, and socializing converge. In addition to housing, there will be space for social and commercial functions, transforming the area into a vibrant and open environment with added value for residents, neighbors, and the city as a whole. Circular construction, community spirit, and creativity are key principles.

Ger Peeters, director of Wonen Limburg: “This location demands a development that does justice to its significance for Heerlen, both past and future. With Hof van Heerlen, we are investing not only in housing, but especially in quality, livability, and social cohesion. The chosen vision aligns with our ambition to build strong, future-proof communities together with partners.”

Connecting the City and Neighborhood

The redevelopment strengthens the spatial and social connection between Eikenderveld and the city center and aligns with existing urban structures and amenities. This makes Hof van Heerlen a new link in the city and an example of how area development can contribute to broader urban goals.

Alderman Casper Gelderblom (Municipality of Heerlen): “The former DSM headquarters is a defining landmark in our city. The redevelopment requires quality, courage, and collaboration. With this step, we demonstrate how we are working with Wonen Limburg and market players to create a sustainable and attractive city, with an eye for social value and future sustainability.”

Collaboration as the foundation

The strength of Hof van Heerlen lies in the collaboration between public and private parties and the broader network surrounding the project, including knowledge and innovation partners. This collaboration contributes to innovation, knowledge sharing, and the integrated approach necessary for complex urban challenges.

Follow-up: feasibility phase

In the coming period, Wonen Limburg, Laudy, the municipality of Heerlen, and the partners involved will further develop the vision in a feasibility phase. This will emphasize collaboration with the surrounding area and careful integration into the city.

Roel Goossens, director of Laudy: “We are proud to contribute to the redevelopment of this unique location, together with Wonen Limburg and the municipality of Heerlen. Hof van Heerlen seamlessly aligns with our vision for integrated area development, combining architectural quality, circularity, and social impact. We look forward to working together to further develop this vision.”

With the selection of Laudy, the municipality of Heerlen and Wonen Limburg are taking the next step in the sustainable and supported redevelopment of one of the city's most striking locations.