Then, now & later

Architectural diamond

Zonnestraal, designed in 1926 and opened in 1928, is internationally regarded as one of the highlights of twentieth century architecture. The complex is a pioneering work from the Nieuwe Bouwen period, built on De Pampahoeve estate between forest and heath. For the municipality of Hilversum, this national monument stands for its proud heritage. In 2018, Zonnestraal was almost chosen as a world heritage site.

Just a beautiful story 

The important history of Zonnestraal is a story worth being told. It was the socially committed union leader Jan van Zutphen—popularly known as “Uncle Jan”—who decided to collect and sell the copper stalks that were a residual product in diamond processing for diamond workers with tuberculosis. That is how the Diamond Processors Copper Steel Fund (KSF) Foundation was established. Jan’s initiative ultimately resulted in the Zonnestraal labour and aftercare colony in 1928.

A manifesto of solidarity and hope

The healing within the complex was supplemented with further preparation for a return to society, with activities set in the surrounding landscape. Work on the land served as medicine. Zonnestraal welcomed patients regardless of their origin and political or religious beliefs—and from all over the Netherlands. At the time that in itself was very much unique. The plans for labour and aftercare colony Zonnestraal can be seen as a built manifesto for social solidarity and collective hope.

Sanatorium Zonnestraal

Zonnestraal was a famous sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Patients stayed there from the end of 1920 until mid 1950 and would recoup for at least a year. In the main building you’d find the examination and operating rooms, as well as the dining room. In the pavilion’s wings you would find individual patient rooms and a general conversation room. From the rooms, the bed could even be wheeled out onto the balcony so the patient could lie out in the open air and sun. One room in the new complex will be completely restored as it was at the time of the sanatorium, and will act as a fitting museum room.  In this way, people can imagine they are visitors of historical Zonnestraal.

Healing environment

The landscape around Zonnestraal is very diverse and will always be interesting to people. The location, set in land that transitions from the low peat bog area of Loosdrecht to the cover sand soils of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Hoorneboegse Heide and country estate on the elevation in the Hoorneboeg landscape, also means an enormous elevation in height. At the end of the 19th century, there was a conviction that sunlight, air, peace and nature made a positive contribution to the recovery of the sick. Healthy skies, pine scents, and soothing colours transformed the landscape into a healing environment. And it still is very much the same today.

Proud municipality

For a number of years, people wanted to get Zonnestraal on the World Heritage List. Frank Meijer of MTD landscape architects described the motivation as follows: “The landscape and built ‘structure carriers’ are essential components of the Zonnestraal ensemble that support and co-justify its nomination as a World Monument. This is a new development that will do justice to history and make Zonnestraal shine once again in its environment.”