News

• 17/12 2025

  KAAN Architecten expands its leadership towards the future

  KAAN Architecten announces an expanded leadership structure that reflects the firm’s ongoing growth and long-term vision, building on a lineage that began in Amsterdam in 1987 with Claus en Kaan Architecten. In 2002, a Rotterdam partnership was established by Kees Kaan, Dikkie Scipio, and Vincent Panhuysen, which evolved into the independent practice KAAN Architecten in 2014. Their collaborative and analytical design approach has shaped the firm’s identity, rooted in quality, pragmatism, and the Dutch building traditions of sustainability and welfare. The close relationship between practice and academia has further strengthened the firm’s ability to address the growing complexities of today's built environment.
  
  Collaboration has always been at the heart of KAAN Architecten’s practice. The development of our leadership structure signifies a natural progression in recognising the collective effort that shapes the office and in preparing it for the next generation of work.
  
  From December 2025, four Associate Partners – Renata Gilio, Marco Lanna, Antony Laurijsen and Hrvoje Šmidihen– will join the Founding Partners in steering the firm into its next chapter. As Associate Partners, they will focus on the overall direction of the office, guiding its strategic development, managing teams and resources, and cultivating key internal and external relationships. In this role, they will work closely with the Founding Partners to ensure continuity of the firm’s vision and culture.
  
  They will be supported by a group of Associate Architects – Bas Barendse, Timo Cardol, Marylène Gallon, and Lisa Goes– who will ensure that the architectural quality of each commission is consistently achieved. Their role is centred on translating the shared ambitions of the office into concrete, built results.
  
  Together, this team offers complementary expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to excellence. Their appointment strengthens the firm's continuity while supporting its future ambitions. Each of these individuals is already deeply involved in the daily work of KAAN Architecten, and this formalisation recognises their significant contributions to the practice.

  
  

• 13/11 2025

  On site at Antwerp Coordination Centre

  At the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, construction of the Antwerp Coordination Centre is progressing steadily. Positioned centrally on the plateau between the 500-metre-long twinned Zandvliet lock (ZAS) and Berendrecht lock (BES), the building is already clearly recognisable as the new control tower. The generous structural frame and eight-storey volume are now visible, outlining the future control tower that will coordinate and supervise port traffic on a 24-hour basis.
  
  The concrete structure and modular design are becoming vital elements of a functional and resilient working environment for vessel traffic services, pilots, and port operations. With completion expected in August 2026, the building is gradually establishing itself as both an essential part of the nautical chain and a landmark within the broader redevelopment of the surrounding landscape.
  
  Vincent Panhuysen: “Even as the generous shell rises, it becomes clear how the building acts as a beacon within the impressive theatre of docks, bridges, containers and ships.”
  
  Explore the video by Marcel Ijzerman.
  
  

• 17/11 2025

  KAAN Architecten to develop Monarch IV timber high-rise in The Hague

  Situated on one of The Hague’s most lively locations along Prinses Beatrixlaan, Monarch IV marks a new chapter for the national government. The building is designed as an office that looks forward, supporting governmental aims in sustainability, adaptability, and a healthy work environment. Timber construction is not just a technical choice but also an act of future-oriented building. The urban plinth, the tower, and the crown together create a distinctive and dignified presence within the skyline of the Central Innovation District.
  
  Building on the inspiring concept design by Fokke van Dijk of the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf (Government Real Estate Agency), which defines a clear spatial and architectural framework, the project is being developed not only to meet complex requirements related to climate, flexibility, and integration, but will also become a place where collaboration, meetings, and focused work naturally come together. With a planned height of 72 metres and an approximate gross floor area of 17,500 square metres, Monarch IV is designed as a flexible, sustainable government hub and a timber landmark that exemplifies circular and future-ready construction.
  
  Consortium Lignum Rex unites KAAN Architecten, DVP, DVP Smart Concepts, ISIS Bouwadvies B.V., Pieters, Alba Concepts. Linkwood, LBP|SIGHT, and De Vries en Verburg Bouw. Within this consortium, KAAN Architecten is responsible for the architectural design of Monarch IV. Consortium Lignum Rex values the trust that the Government Real Estate Agency has placed in it and looks forward to further developing this distinguished project together.

• 28/10 2025

  Museum Paleis Het Loo nominated for the EUmies Awards 2026

  We are honoured to share that Museum Loos has been nominated for the prestigious EUmies Awards 2026, recognising excellence in contemporary European architecture!
  
  Seamlessly integrated into the existing site, the extension is placed underground and a new water feature is incorporated as part of the design, maintaining the baroque composition. The Bassecour is transformed into a space with a central fountain and glass surfaces adorned with natural stone and flowing water, reminiscent of the historic gardens, allowing daylight to filter through into the underground extension.
  
  Museum Paleis Het Loo nomination at this link.
  Congratulations to all the nominees!