Vital city centers: Market hall 2.0?

How the SuperHub in the Dutch district of Groningen plans to transform into an inviting community center of the future

28.12.2022

By Katja Laska

Open spaces, greenery, a lake – Meerstad is a popular district of Groningen that already offers many amenities but strives for more. The Dutch suburb plans to build 5,000 new homes in addition to a connected, interactive social space, which will serve as a place for residents to shop, gather, and eat. The SuperHub was designed to embody these objectives.

©Ronald Tilleman /De Zwarte Hond

The SuperHub was designed and implemented by the architects from De Zwarte Hond. Its circular shape is reminiscent of the traditional market hall design.

©Ronald Zijlstra /De Zwarte Hond

What makes the structure so unique: It is expansive and transparent. The high ceilings of the supporting structure create an open and very luminous space.

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©Ronald Tilleman /De Zwarte Hond

The large canopy, which extends out over five meters, provides sun protection, and draws the structure into its green surroundings thanks to its elegant columns and net-like wooden trusses. Cleverly designed cross forms provide the building with stability, ensuring that no additional wind bracing infrastructure is required.

Suberhub Groningen exterior view total; Copyright: Ronald Tilleman /The Black Dog

©Ronald Tilleman /De Zwarte Hond

Sustainability is a big part of the design. Environmentally friendly processes and resource conservation played a major role both in the choice of wood and other materials and in the design of the rooftop. The roof has been reserved for the installation of solar panels and plants for bees and other insects. The built-in air treatment system and the heat and cold ground storage ensure an optimal and energy-efficient indoor climate. The building is also designed to absorb and withstand the vibrations of earthquakes in Groningen.

©Ronald Zijlstra /De Zwarte Hond

Currently, the building includes a supermarket and a café that enhances the customer experience of visitors. The goal is to make the shopping experience personal and social once again. A visit to the SuperHub aims to offer residents a refreshing alternative to increasingly popular express delivery services.

A service stand with personal in the store; Copyright: Ronald Tilleman /De Zwarte Hond

Apart from its role as a source of food provision, the building also functions as a meeting place for its residents.

De Zwarte Hond drawing of the building; Copyright: De Zwarte Hond

The flexible floor plan hints at its future possibilities. The structure is designed for longevity and can accommodate future modifications or expansions. According to official sources, the building could also house a museum or even homes many years from now.

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