ZGT Psychiatry
Almelo, the Netherlands
Making way for
new construction
Twente Hospital Group (ZGT) is on the cusp of a major transformation. Following approval of our master plan, we can begin construction of the new, future-oriented hospital at the Almelo site. The existing and partly outdated ZGT Almelo forms a sprawling complex, with many low-rise buildings alongside the centrally located high-rise that houses the nursing wards. To realise the new construction on the east side of the existing hospital, we must first create space. In the first phase of construction, we will do that by relocating the Psychiatry department to a new building. The new hospital will then be built in three phases. During this time, the existing hospital will remain fully operational.
New building for Psychiatry
The new building for the Psychiatry department will be situated on the west side of the hospital grounds. We designed a simple building with a clear structure, in which the Psychiatry department can function effectively for years to come.
Patio at the heart
The mostly two-storey building has an L-shape on the ground floor that fits nicely into the remaining space on the site. From the existing hospital, a corridor leads to the central hall with the reception and a pleasant waiting area. Here you find yourself in a large atrium with plenty of light and views of greenery, thanks to a patio at the heart of the building. On the ground floor is the residential ward, comprising a section for the elderly, a section specifically for mothers with infants and young children, and two low-stimulus rooms. Each group has a communal lounge with views to a sheltered garden.
Private openness
An inviting staircase in the atrium leads up to the outpatient clinic and consultation rooms on the first floor. This floor also houses the larger rooms for psychomotor therapy, music therapy and art therapy, for example. On both floors, patients have plenty of space to retreat in privacy or, conversely, to seek company in open areas.
Light
The patient rooms and communal lounges are situated on the outer side of the building and therefore benefit from direct natural light and views. The central zone of the building, around which the corridor runs, primarily houses general and staff facilities. Thanks to transparent walls, natural light enters here too.
Warmth and calm
This psychiatric environment needs to radiate warmth and calm. We have therefore seamlessly integrated the fixed furniture – such as reception desks, pantries and coffee stations – into the design. This reinforces the pleasant atmosphere of the interior, where natural materials and colours predominate. The same applies to the external façade, which features bamboo, wood and steel. Together with a landscape architect, we have also devoted considerable attention to the design of the outdoor spaces.
Moving quickly
As timely completion is crucial for the rest of the hospital’s development, ZGT wanted to start construction as soon as possible. That is why they requested to work in a construction team. The contractor was involved in the process from the preliminary design stage. The advantage of this is that practical construction knowledge was incorporated at an early stage. That, in turn, means you can make decisions more quickly and manage construction costs even more effectively. Construction will start in spring 2026.
“Guided by the users’ wishes, we created a well-organised, safe and welcoming Psychiatry department with greenery and views throughout.”
“Guided by the users’ wishes, we created a well-organised, safe and welcoming Psychiatry department with greenery and views throughout.”
Project data
- Location
- Almelo, the Netherlands
- Functie
- New construction of psychiatric clinic, outpatient psychiatric clinic and therapy rooms
- Size
- 3,300 m² GFA
- Period
- 2024 – 2026
- Status
- In progress
- Client
- ZGT
- User
- ZGT
- Team
- Jörn-Ole Stellmann, Bert Muijres, Wendy van Rosmalen, Andre Teunissen, Joost de Jong, Joris Alofs, Eline Tops
- In collaboration with
- Haskoning, Sweegers en de Bruijn
Related projects
