Eusebius Church, Arnhem

As the final phase of a multi-year restoration, the accessibility of the church was improved by adding two side entrances, designed by architect Robert Nijhuis†. 

He also developed the initial concept for a metal text voile, positioned as an additional layer in front of these entrances. 

The concept consists of a continuous text composed of individual letters, held between two horizontal lines. Ruud-Jan Kokke was commissioned to further develop this concept and to design four monumental doors as part of the system. To avoid unnecessary interruption of the text, the joints between the doors were limited to just 10 mm. 

Maximum transparency was a key ambition. This was achieved by mounting the text panels onto horizontal ribs that visually disappear behind the text lines. These ribs connect around a round vertical axis that pivots on taats bearings. As a result, the heavy doors, measuring 4.5 meters high and 1.5 meters wide, move smoothly despite their size. 

The pivot point is positioned outside the plane of the door, allowing the doors to open fully by 180 degrees. The text panels are made of 20 mm thick aluminum and mounted onto stainless steel door constructions. Kokke designed the doors in a way that references traditional blacksmith techniques, where holes were forged into steel and bars inserted through heating and shrinking, creating strong mechanical connections. Translating this principle into a contemporary context, the door construction was conceived as a modular assembly system. 

Like historic forging methods, the components slide together and require only minimal welding to secure the structure. To ensure the precision required for both development and production, 

Kokke worked closely with his regular team of engineers and a structural engineer. For the precise positioning and composition of the text, graphic designer Paul Glaudemans was involved. 

The text itself recounts the history of the church dating back to the year 893 and was written by Peter Koelewijn, chief architect of the restoration. The text doors on the north side have now been installed. The text gates on the south side are scheduled to follow in the autumn.