Watertorenerf 14141 HS LeerdamOranjebuurt-Noord

WATERTORENERF 1 – LEERDAM . An iconic water tower to live, work and keep dreaming in. . Living on a higher level – both literally and figuratively. This former water tower on the edge of Leerdam is no standard house, but an architectural landmark with a view of the future. A sculpture of concrete and light, converted into a residential and working space with a story. For those seeking freedom, rhythm, and meaning. . This is not a house for everyone – and that’s exactly the point. The former water tower of Leerdam is a landmark, not a standard dwelling. Not meant to be ticked off, but to be lived in. This is where plans take shape at height, in a world of light, silence and rhythm. The moment you enter, you feel the power of the space: the raw concrete, the soaring glass facade, the view over rooftops and river dikes. Not designed for convenience, but for purpose. Not a museum piece, but a place to live, work, and evolve. Here, you don’t live between walls, but in a story of architecture, reuse and identity. A living environment for people seeking form, freedom and vision. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Built in 1929 by Visser & Smit, designed by director Arie Visser with advice from H.P. Berlage – the renowned architect of the Beurs van Berlage (Amsterdam) and the Gemeentemuseum (The Hague). The tower marked the end of a design era: sleek, functional, modern. Slender in shape, with a decagonal floor plan, a concrete core, and a small lookout turret. Until 1989, the tower served as a water supply. In the 1930s, the first floor functioned as the city council chamber. The entrance was decorated with a glass mosaic by Andries Copier, referencing Leerdam’s glassmaking heritage. Demolition was prevented in 2012 thanks to local efforts. In 2019, designer Michiel van der Kley bought the tower and initiated a repurposing process that gained national recognition. REDEVELOPMENT Van der Kley – known for his furniture designs, the 3D-printed EGG Pavilion and the 3D-printed bridge in Nijmegen – saw not a project, but an opportunity. His approach was intuitive and layered. He added a 19.5-metre glass facade, installed a new staircase, added a mezzanine, and hoisted a grand piano in before the glass was placed. All interventions are restrained, precise, and reversible. Old concrete traces, shuttering prints, and piping remain visible. The ground floor houses a reception and workspace. The former council chamber became an office. The second floor is the main living space with an open kitchen, sitting area, bathroom, and a mezzanine bedroom. Above: an atelier. The top two floors, flooded with daylight, await further use. In 2024, the Dutch Water Tower Foundation awarded this transformation with its annual Watertower Prize for its respectful structural handling and open, flexible development vision. THE TOUR Via a quiet cul-de-sac on the edge of Leerdam, you arrive at Watertorenerf. The entrance is private, with parking on site. At the base of the tower lies a grassy area with young trees, a sunken seating pit, and room for an outbuilding (atelier or shared workspace, no residential use). The tower unfolds across eight levels, each with its own character. Ground floor Here you’ll find the entrance with cloakroom, technical facilities, and a workspace. The concrete structure is clearly visible – raw but balanced. A steel staircase leads upward. First floor Once the Leerdam council chamber (approx. 2.72m high), now in use as an office. Large windows offer neighbourhood views; inside, the mood is warm, with wooden floors, smooth plastered walls and deep tones. The layout is open and flexible. Second floor The heart of the home: a generous living room with open kitchen, seating area, and dining table. Here you truly feel the tower's height: ceilings stretch upward, daylight streams in from multiple sides. Concrete alternates with white surfaces; the interior is minimalist and powerful. The grand piano and large workbench highlight the space's character: spacious, creative, inviting. Third level A mezzanine forms the third layer: bedroom and bathroom are smartly fitted into the previous level’s height. The staircase is simple yet effective. The open vertical sightlines enhance the spatial experience. Fourth floor Currently used as an atelier and workspace. Private, light-filled and quiet. Raw concrete finishes; a versatile space suitable for studio or extra bedroom. Fifth to eighth floor These upper levels remain open for interpretation. The former reservoir floor is lofty and robust; views stretch far. Here the tower is at its purest. Light floods through the west-facing 19.5m glass facade. The top turret offers panoramic views over Leerdam and the river landscape – a rare and powerful experience. Moisture marks and time traces remain visible in the dome, adding authenticity. The concrete is unfiltered: even the wood grain of the original shuttering is still visible. This brutalist tower stands like a rock in the landscape – resolute, raw and honest. Each level tells its own story – together they form a home in constant motion. ZONING AND POSSIBILITIES The tower is zoned for residential use, allowing for: * Home-based business (max. 25 m², not publicly oriented) * Division into two independent units (permit granted) * Glass extension on top floor (permit granted) * Construction of lift shaft (up to 41m) * Outbuilding up to 100 m² outside the main building footprint The tower is designated as ‘characteristic’: the primary form is protected, yet bespoke adaptations are negotiable. The municipality is open to discussion on appropriate initiatives. PLOT AND GARDEN The 2,600 m² plot encircles the tower with a green, secluded yet open setting. At the front lies a sloping lawn, sculpted terrain, young trees, hedges and a sunken seating area – designed as an outdoor extension of the tower. A place to sit, talk, work or watch the sky. The grounds are low-maintenance, atmospheric and include ample on-site parking. A 100 m² outbuilding is permitted under zoning: ideal for a guest house, shared workspace or studio. CONSTRUCTION Built in 1929 to carry 500,000 litres of water – a technical feat in reinforced concrete. The structure remains in excellent condition. The raw concrete is fully exposed; shuttering prints still visible. No finishes, no embellishments – only material, rhythm, and form. In 2022, the exterior was restored by a contractor specialising in rope-access work. Suspended like mountaineers, experts inspected and treated every square metre. The glass facade and steel staircase were integrated with care, without disturbing the original design. This tower was built to last – and deserves to be lived in with equal vision. ENERGY LABEL AND SUSTAINABILITY Though not a listed monument, the tower is industrial heritage – and ideal for careful energy upgrades. First steps include new insulation glazing, natural ventilation, and zoning based on usage. Redres regularly advises on sustainable upgrades for monuments and industrial heritage. Due to their age and material use, these buildings are inherently sustainable. But operational gains remain possible – including here. Alongside the regular energy label, a custom "Sustainability Label®" has been prepared. This tailored plan outlines how to optimise the tower without compromising design integrity, material character, or comfort. According to this plan, it is feasible to improve from label E to label B. Measures include additional insulation, low-temperature heating, and smart zoning. Technically feasible and adapted to the brutalist style. Purchasing such a building is the perfect time for sustainable choices. The Sustainability Label® serves as a clear roadmap – available to prospective buyers as support for well-informed decisions. This tower is already sustainable by essence. The foundation is there – the next step belongs to the new resident. LEERDAM, LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY Located in a quiet residential area on the edge of Leerdam, the tower is within cycling distance of the historic centre. Shops, schools, the station and cafes are nearby, while the direct surroundings are spacious and green. The view from the tower reaches over dikes, river landscape and open countryside – a rare blend of tranquillity and accessibility. Leerdam has a rich history as a fortified town and industrial centre. It grew around the castle of the Lords of Arkel and played a role in the Dutch Waterline. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Leerdam became nationally renowned for its glass industry. The Glass Factory, Andries Copier’s work and today’s National Glass Museum have put the city on the map as the glass capital of the Netherlands. The location is highly central. Via the A2 and A15, cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam and Den Bosch are 35 minutes away. Dordrecht, Amersfoort, Breda and Nieuwegein are all within 45 minutes. Even Arnhem, Tilburg and The Hague can be reached within an hour. Leerdam’s NS station, within walking and cycling distance, offers direct train connections to Geldermalsen and Dordrecht. From Geldermalsen, intercity trains connect to Utrecht, Den Bosch, Eindhoven and Breda. For those using public transport, this is a reliable and frequent network. Positioned between South Holland, Utrecht and Gelderland, Leerdam is a natural hub for those seeking central yet quiet living. TARGET GROUP This water tower suits people who don’t think in boxes. For couples or families wanting to live differently. For friends or relatives desiring separate lives with shared outdoor space. For creatives wanting a home studio. For independents blending work and living. For those who prioritise height and view over square meters. And for anyone not looking for just a house – but for a horizon. This is living with conviction – in rhythm, space, and freedom. 10 REASONS TO BUY THIS WATER TOWER 1. Winner of the 2024 Watertower Prize 2. Designed under architectural direction with advice from H.P. Berlage 3. A concrete landmark with a 19.5-metre glass facade 4. Suitable for living and working, in one or two units 5. 2,600 m² plot – quiet, green, well-connected 6. Architectural quality without monument restrictions 7. Centrally located in the Netherlands, accessible by car and train 8. Energy advisory available – future-proof and responsible 9. Carefully converted, partly unfinished – room for your own plans 10. A living environment with character, vision and freedom IN SHORT The Leerdam water tower is not a house – it’s a statement. A vertical residence with allure, history and brutalist strength. For those seeking more than just space. A way of life where rhythm, tranquillity and architecture converge. The tower accommodates different living concepts: a spacious family home or shared living with friends or relatives, each on their own floor. Living and working combined is natural here. With zoning approval for two units, a large 2,600 m² plot and space for an outbuilding, this location offers freedom within structure – rare in the Netherlands, let alone in the green heart of the country. Centrally located yet its own world. For those who want to do things differently – not for appearances, but out of conviction. Buying here isn’t choosing convenience, but choosing meaning. INTERESTED? Contact Redres. We guide from viewing to transfer, think along with usage and potential, and ensure a presentation worthy of this building. This tower doesn’t need a quick decision-maker, but someone with vision. Perhaps that’s you.