The Rose Bower, a working-class neighbourhood with a rich history, is one of the areas in Haarlem recently plagued by pole fungus in the timber piles. In some parts of the city this meant replacing entire blocks with new housing. Thanks to an emancipated community this particular part of Haarlem was preserved and committed to paper in a very conservative Land Use Plan. Only the most critical parts of the district are being completely replaced while other parts are renovated as part of a large scale urban redevelopment plan for the affected area. On the corner of Palm street and Marum street, a small neighbourhood square forms a tangible border between a largely renovated area and a seriously run-down part of the Rose Bower. It is a location that does not lend itself to flashy architecture and is far more suitable for an exercise in modesty, in harmony with the existing environment. Classic characteristics of the Rose Bower, such as robust brickwork, large angled and gable roofs, wide expressive gutters and ornamental details, constitute more than enough ingredients for a modest contemporary rendering of Rose Bower architecture. Facades with classic influences and subtly unusual roof shapes come together in an expressive corner on the square.

Update: Palmarum has been nominated for the Lieven de Key award 2013.