SPIE modernises historic Norgerhaven prison in Veenhuizen, the Netherlands

Veenhuizen, Netherlands, 4 February 2026 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been commissioned by the Dutch Government Real Estate Agency to modernise the historic Norgerhaven prison complex in Veenhuizen. The project combines restoration, renovation, and new development in a single integrated design-and-build contract. The central challenge is to make a heritage building more sustainable without compromising its character.

A historic location with a remarkable story

Veenhuizen has long been a unique village. In the 19th century, it formed part of the Colonies of Benevolence, where impoverished city dwellers were re-educated through work, schooling, and discipline. The Esserheem and Norgerhaven prison sites — both part of the Veenhuizen prison complex — date from this era and still shape the village’s character today. “It feels like stepping back in time,” says Paul Dreef, Design & Build Manager at SPIE. “The atmosphere of the past is still visible and tangible everywhere. That makes this assignment unique.”

Integrated approach to heritage and technology

Norgerhaven, which lies on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is partly a national monument and forms part of a protected village landscape. This demands the utmost care in both design and execution. The project includes the restoration of historical sections and the renovation of later ones. The prison, built in a square layout with an open courtyard and dating from the early 1900s, will be entirely modernised.

As the main contractor, SPIE is responsible for both the design and execution. “From the outside, Norgerhaven will remain the recognisable national monument it always has been, with a completely new entrance building and carefully integrated landscaping,” says Paul Dreef. “Inside, it will become a modern prison with a high level of climate comfort—where history is still present, but the building is ready for the future.”

High sustainability ambitions

The Dutch Government Real Estate Agency sets strict requirements for sustainability, energy performance, and indoor comfort. The prison must achieve energy label A+++, meet Paris Proof standards for actual energy use, and meet climate class A in the cells. The design integrates climate-adaptation measures and aims to reduce environmental impacts. 

The main challenge lies in balancing heritage preservation with sustainability. Heritage elements will be preserved where possible, while the interior will be upgraded with optimal insulation and energy-efficient installations. Modern building technology will be integrated into existing spaces to ensure the efficiency of insulation in historic façades and floors while also maintaining the original appearance of façades and window frames.

“Sustainably upgrading a historic building requires smart, integrated choices,” explains Paul Dreef. “We look at materials, technical solutions, and the inherent possibilities in the building itself, drawing on experience from similar projects such as the Mining Building in Delft.”

“It is an honour to work on this monument,” says Frank de Garde, Director of the Business Unit Large Projects at SPIE. “I’m proud of the trust placed in us by the Dutch Government Real Estate Agency. This is what we do best. I can’t wait to see the final result!”