Renovation of the Binnenhof

The renovation of the Binnenhof is a complex and far-reaching undertaking of exceptional societal, historical, and governmental significance. As the heart of Dutch democracy—home to the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Ministry of General Affairs—the Binnenhof demands an exceptionally careful approach. At the core of the project lies the balance between preserving its monumental heritage and introducing the necessary modernization. While the buildings are rich in history and cultural value, they no longer meet contemporary standards for technology, sustainability, accessibility, and user comfort. The renovation offers the opportunity to prepare the entire ensemble for the future while improving safety, functionality, and accessibility.

Since 2018, Karres en Brands has been commissioned by the Central Government Real Estate Agency (Rijksvastgoedbedrijf) to design the public realm associated with this extensive renovation. The work extends far beyond the construction sites themselves. As building entrances are relocated and underground utility networks are reconfigured, much of the public space must be reconstructed. At the same time, visitor numbers have steadily increased over the years, requiring the outdoor spaces to accommodate new patterns of use. The Binnenhof will remain an open and public place where politics, citizens, and history converge. Its courtyards, squares, passages, and sightlines create a unique democratic stage that is visible, accessible, and embedded in everyday public life. Here, political power is not hidden behind walls but remains tangible and close at hand.

Restoring the Historic Binnenhof
The paving surrounding the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) has changed numerous times over the centuries, most recently in 1953. The new design reaches further back in history, drawing inspiration from the site's layout as it existed from 1229 onwards. At that time, the Voorhof—the forecourt in front of the Ridderzaal—served a ceremonial and representative function, while the Achterhof was organised more pragmatically, containing kitchen gardens, a real tennis court, and even a brewery. The new paving pattern restores this historic distinction between formal and functional spaces without altering the character of the setting. Ninety percent of the existing materials—including clay paving bricks, granite cobbles, Belgian bluestone, and Swedish granite—will be carefully reused.

At the centre of the Upper Court, the Binnenhof Fountain will return to its original location. Designed by architect Pierre Cuypers in 1885, the fountain will once again be surrounded by its original natural stone wind rose pattern, reconstructed according to the historic drawings, together with the classical canapé benches. The existing uneven ground level will be regraded, creating a level square that not only improves accessibility to the surrounding buildings but also enhances drainage.

At the rear of the Ridderzaal, between the Grenadierspoort near the Mauritshuis and the Middenpoort adjacent to the Ministry of General Affairs, another layer of history is revived. Between 1400 and 1660 this area was occupied by the Countess's Garden, containing kitchen gardens and ornamental flower beds. Around one of the four existing silver lindens, a new planting bed with evergreen and flowering species will recall this historic garden. On the southern side of the Ridderzaal, a natural stone staircase, an accessible ramp, and a lifting platform will create a fully accessible public entrance, while the historic water pump near the Hofpoort will once again provide drinking water following its restoration.

Restoring the Hofgracht
Until 1862, water surrounded the entire Binnenhof complex. That year the moat was filled in to allow the construction of the Hofweg. As part of the renovation, approximately ninety metres of the historic moat will be restored along the Buitenhof side, reconnecting the Hofvijver with the Hofplaats. Beyond restoring the site's historic appearance, the reinstated Hofgracht also revives one of its original defensive functions while providing practical benefits. It allows significantly more daylight to reach the basement level, where new workspaces are being created. Along the quay wall, a carefully designed habitat of mosses, algae, and ferns will contribute to biodiversity in and around the Hofvijver.

A new bridge, designed in collaboration with Merk-X, will span the restored Hofgracht. The bridge consists of three distinct sections: two narrow walkways for pedestrians and a wider central span accommodating cyclists and authorised traffic.

A new Public entrance at the Hofplaats
The most significant transformation in the use of the public realm takes place at the Hofplaats. When the House of Representatives returns to the Binnenhof in 2031, annual visitor numbers are expected to increase from approximately 300,000 to 500,000. To accommodate this growth, the public entrance will move from Lange Poten to the Hofplaats.

The entrance building itself has been designed by Architecten Cie. as a compact, transparent pavilion with an open and welcoming character. A generous semi-spiral staircase leads visitors down to the underground entrance hall, where the actual security screening, waiting areas, information facilities, and all necessary visitor services are located. Above ground, only the modest pavilion remains, allowing the square itself to remain largely open and green.

Where the Hofplaats currently functions primarily as a thoroughfare, it will become a place to stay, with seating, generous planting, and carefully framed views of the surrounding historic façades. The planting strategy does more than enhance the square aesthetically. Trees provide shade during increasingly warm summers, while planted areas subtly guide pedestrian movement without relying on fences or physical barriers. Clear circulation routes ensure the square remains legible and efficient for the large numbers of daily visitors, while the spaces in between offer room for people to meet, linger, or demonstrate. In this way, the Hofplaats is transformed from a predominantly paved transit space into a green, representative, and welcoming civic square that remains comfortable and functional, even as pedestrian numbers increase by more than one-third.