RAG – pump house

The RAG building’s development was guided by its own inherent design. In the 1960s, a low-rise extension was added to its southern façade, creating a rooftop terrace for adjacent living spaces. The RAG is the first project by Eek and Dekkers and reflects Piet Hein Eek’s approach of managing the entire process from concept to completion. This project exemplifies their method of respecting existing structures and using them as a basis for new design.

Originally a pumping station, the RAG building now stands amidst a residential area, having been repurposed for housing. The building’s distinctive roof structure and large industrial windows give it a unique character. A challenge arose with the large size of the building, particularly with utilizing the other half of the terrace. The solution involved removing part of the building’s core and two windows to create an open internal street with new south-facing terraces, integrating the existing features with new elements.

The internal street, owned by residents, maintains privacy despite the close proximity of homes. Wooden frames replaced the original steel windows due to budget constraints, improving the building’s aesthetics by contrasting new and old features. The building sits atop a large basement used for utilities and machinery, which was restored to its original level after demolition. This allows ground floor apartments to have elevated views with privacy from the street.

Four smaller apartments were designed around the original staircase, preserving its function and making the RAG building accessible to a larger group of residents. The building’s large voids and glass facades create dynamic visual effects. The project was completed in early 2016, integrating the building’s past with new residential needs.