In September 2020, atelier PRO delivered its smallest project, the Haagse Hopje. Contrary to what you might think, this Haagse Hopje is not a hard candy with a light coffee and caramel flavour, but a multifunctional space of approximately 60 m².
The first Haagse Hopje in The Hague was opened in May 1996. Haagse Hopjes are converted sea containers where toys are lent to children of primary school age. This concept was taken over from the Duimdrop project in Rotterdam. It is important to the municipality that the places where children play outside school hours are safe. From this perspective, the starting point for the realization of Hopjes is that the squares on which they are situated are accessible, safe and challenging for children by bringing toys and supervision to these squares.
Initially it was assumed that the Hopjes would be a temporary facility. Sea containers were therefore chosen because they are easy to place. But the enormous success of the Hopjes has made them indispensable in various primary schools.
This is also the case in the Rivierenbuurt in The Hague. Opposite the Child centre O3, also a design by atelier PRO, we have designed a Hopje. This outdoor room of approximately 60 m² is separate from the main building. An important part of the design is the continuous perforated facade cladding made of floor-to-ceiling aluminum panels. These hide the original (ugly) masonry of Stedin's Trafo, which is now integrated into the design and remains accessible to Stedin for maintenance.
The terrace section on the west side has a pergola with recycled seating furniture from the Deltaplantsoen. The gross floor area including pergola is 150 m². Initially there was already a 'game container', which has now been replaced by a beautiful 'Hopje'. This multifunctional space was financed by SCOH and the municipality and is now used by both the school and SCOH.
A truly asset to the neighbourhood!
