‘The ugliest building in Hilversum’ has been transformed into a foodie haven in the Netherlands that shines a light on its Art Nouveau bones.

Mout Foodhall is the brainchild of catering entrepreneur Teus Kroon and Jerry de Vries. The duo tasked Zecc Architecten with the adaptive reuse of the unloved former Eurobioscoop building, which was given the unflattering title by its new custodians.

Built in 1912 for the De Wit car company in an Art Nouveau style, its original façade and roof were hidden under layers of 1970s cladding, and according to Dutch press, it was being touted for demolition before Kroon stepped in.

Zecc has ripped out later additions to the 750 sq m structure, and exposed its undulating concrete roof, which is lined with skylights and still bares flecks of historical paint. The building’s original façade has also been restored with the help of old photographs.

Interiors now channel an industrial vibe: walls, floors and the ceiling are all exposed concrete, and new metal pipework snakes its way across the building.

Zecc has added a 200 sq m basement to the structure, which now houses the tanks and stills for Gooische Bierbrouwerij, a local brewery. A black bar sits at the entrance to the food market, and the practice has inserted a steel frame inside the building’s shell to carve out spaces for seven restaurants.

Furniture across the colossal foodie spot is a mix of steel stools, leather couches and wooden benches.

Mout Foodhall, Naarderstraat 8, Hilversum 1211 AL

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