World Monuments Fund awarded its 2010 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize to Bierman Henket Architecten and Wessel de Jonge Architecten for their exemplary restoration of the Zonnestraal Sanatorium (designed 1926-28; completed 1931), a little-known but iconic modern structure in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Zonnestraal was conceived by Johannes Duiker (1890-1935), the leading spokesperson for the modern movement in the Netherlands; Bernard Bijvoet (1889-1979); and structural engineer Jan Gerko Wiebenga (1880–1974). Founded by the Diamond Workers Union of Amsterdam, the sanatorium was part of a larger aftercare colony for tubercular patients. It was funded by Union dues as a facility that would train members who had been afflicted with the disease for their return to society. Zonnestraal is emblematic of the emerging ideals of social democracy in the Netherlands during the 1920s, and it reflected the new concept of using occupational therapy in health care.
Façade at sunset © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
Aerial view c. 1931 (c) KLM Aerocarto, courtesy of Wessel de Jonge Architecten
Dresselhuys Pavillion, before conservation c. 1995 (c) Wessel de Jonge Architecten
Dresselhuys Pavillion, post-conservation (c) Jannes Linders fotograaf, Rotterdam NL
Hubert-Jan Henket (l), Wessel de Jonge (r), of Bierman Henket Architecten and Wessel de Jonge Architecten
View from walkway © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
View from distance © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
Interior view © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
Interior view © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
Exterior view, before conservation (c) Wessel de Jonge Architecten
Exterior view, post-conservation (c) Wessel de Jonge Architecten
Façade from distance © michel kievits/sybolt voeten
