De Roma and Bureau Bouwtechniek through the years

De Roma and Bureau Bouwtechniek first met in 2003. Under our guidance, the then abandoned cinema hall was transformed into a multifunctional concert hall without compromising the original character of the building. Roughly 10 years later, in 2015, we gave the building envelope a new energy-efficient makeover. Today, another decade has passed and the renovation of the 780 m² linoleum floor is on the agenda.

Restoration and renovation of art deco cinema building (2003)
Modernisation of stage and technical infrastructure (2005)
Facade restoration of protected monument (2014)
Renovation of 780 m² floor (2025)

2003 - 2006

A first foundation of major renovation works to preserve the listed building was laid in function of the temporary opening of De Roma in summer 2003.

In 2005, the technical infrastructure and stage were modernised as a function of the further expansion of the cultural house's operations and the building's adaptation to current fire standards.

The complete restoration and renovation of the cinema building into a concert hall with theatre tower, stage and technical infrastructure took place in phases between 2003 and 2006.

Restoration campaign from 2014 -2016

Goal:

integrally restore the roofs and facades,
correct the building physics problems in the outer shell and
optimise energetically.

The lighting was renewed and the public hall was fitted with a new ventilation system again for maximum improvement of visitor comfort and the building's energy performance.

Renovation of the main hall floor (2025)

We supported the Roma in choosing the new floor finish using a decision matrix, which assessed factors such as hygroscopic behaviour, lifespan, cost and ease of maintenance.

In the end, we opted for a wooden floor with edge-glued laminated timber. The difference in long-term maintenance costs was a crucial factor in making the final decision. Linoleum has a lower initial investment cost, but its shorter lifespan means that, over the total period considered, it will require one or even several additional renovations compared to parquet. The total cost of a floor with linoleum covering is therefore considerably higher in the long term than that of a parquet floor with edge-glued laminate.

In addition to a new floor finish, the hall was fitted with new floor drains and the left-hand edge was broken out to install a mixed sewerage system under the hall floor.

We supervised De Roma both in the organisation of the works under our own management and those included in the facade and roof restoration dossier.

As executive architect, we led the execution of the works.