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May 28, 2019

Photography of former water production buildings

Architectural photography and visual content for industrial heritage and redevelopment

I regularly share compelling stories about photo reports of former drinking water production buildings. My client and I climb in harnesses to reach the viewing platform of a 50-meter-high water tower, or descend with waterproof boots and flashlights to photograph underground water reservoirs.

Former drinking water reservoir in Kloosterhaar

Recently, I photographed the former drinking water reservoir in Kloosterhaar. It is no longer in use and is now being offered for sale. At first glance — aside from its location — it may not seem particularly remarkable. But beneath the ground lies a reservoir covering more than 200 square meters.

Creativity and unique living

Before a building like this can be repurposed, much needs to happen. Apart from zoning regulations and other structural challenges, it would make a significant difference if daylight could be introduced into the underground reservoir. During long exposure times, as I reflect on what could be done with such a space, creativity immediately begins to flow. By installing several large skylights, the space could be naturally illuminated during the day and would instantly hold potential as living space with a truly authentic industrial character. On top of that, with a clear sky above, the view might prove even more interesting than television.

Over the years, I have photographed various (former) drinking water production buildings across different provinces, including:

Province of Utrecht

- Watertoren Pateer

- Watertoren Lauwershof

- Watertoren Overvecht

- Watertoren Lopik

- Drinkwaterproductiegebouw Lopik

- Watertoren Woerden

- Watertoren Mijdrecht (Kompastoren)

- Watertoren Bilthoven

Province of Gelderland

- Watertoren in Harderwijk

- Watertoren in Culemborg

Province of Friesland

- Pomphuis Munnekeburen

- Watertoren Lippenhuizen

- Watertoren Sint Jacobiparochie

- Watertoren Franeker

Province of Overijssel

- Watertoren Enschede (Hoog en Droog)

Presenting your project professionally

Do you have a distinctive building, project, or location that deserves professional visual presentation? As a photographer and content creator, I would be pleased to explore the right visual approach together. From overall perspective to refined detail, we create imagery that reflects quality and character. Feel free to get in touch to discuss the possibilities.

Exterior view of Watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)
Exterior view of Watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)
Columns inside Kompastoren Mijdrecht (Utrecht)
Columns inside Kompastoren Mijdrecht (Utrecht)
Underground water reservoir in Kloosterhaar (Gelderland)
Underground water reservoir in Kloosterhaar (Gelderland)
Structure above the water reservoir in Kloosterhaar
Structure above the water reservoir in Kloosterhaar
Entrance to the underground water reservoir in Kloosterhaar
Entrance to the underground water reservoir in Kloosterhaar
Former water reservoir in Kloosterhaar (Gelderland)
Former water reservoir in Kloosterhaar (Gelderland)
Overview of the property: structure and backyard with underground water reservoir (drone photo)
Overview of the property: structure and backyard with underground water reservoir (drone photo)
Watertoren Hoog en Droog in Enschede (Overijssel)
Watertoren Hoog en Droog in Enschede (Overijssel)
Watertoren Sint-Jacobiparochie (Friesland)
Watertoren Sint-Jacobiparochie (Friesland)
Interior of the (relatively modern) watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Interior of the (relatively modern) watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Well-preserved interior of the authentic watertoren Bilthoven (Utrecht)
Well-preserved interior of the authentic watertoren Bilthoven (Utrecht)
Creaking wooden floors and stairs at watertoren Bilthoven (Utrecht)
Creaking wooden floors and stairs at watertoren Bilthoven (Utrecht)
Water pipes and shut-off valves at watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)
Water pipes and shut-off valves at watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)
Exterior view of watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Exterior view of watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
View from watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
View from watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Staircases in watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Staircases in watertoren Franeker (Friesland)
Staircases in watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)
Staircases in watertoren Lippenhuizen (Friesland)