The architect
Dr Pierre Cuypers was already a famous man when he started the De Haar 'project', which lasted from 1892 to 1912 and to which he paid a great deal of attention even after this period. He was an established architect, as he had built many Neo-Gothic churches since the middle of the nineteenth century and because of the restoration of important monuments. The construction of the Central Station and the Rijksmuseum, both in Amsterdam, would only add to his fame.
Medieval crafts
Cuypers was not only interested in the architecture of the building, but also in the interior and all decorative elements that could be incorporated. His ideal was to have the medieval crafts relive: his workshops in Roermond (where he started as an architect) and in Amsterdam were in fact medieval corporations, in which all aspects of the building and its decoration could be realised.
Artistic licence
Unlike his great inspirer, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, the most important restoration architect of the nineteenth century in France, Cuypers did not always aim to restore the architecture of the Middle Ages as authentically as possible, but he sometimes took the liberty of incorporating his own ideal views into it. In this his workshop with qualified artists and craftsmen turned in exceptional achievements.
Modern conveniences
At the same time Cuypers did not hesitate to apply modern materials, styles and conveniences. A lift was constructed, hot and cold running water was installed in each bedroom and central heating, based on the principle of low-pressure steam, made De Haar a comfortable residence for all seasons. The same went for the kitchen, which was equipped with the latest stoves of that period.
Authenticity
In the reconstruction of De Haar castle, Cuypers faithfully used the outline of the castle, as this appears from old measurements and drawings made before the restoration. Cuypers made full use of bricks from the old castle walls and one can still see in the different textures of brick the contrast between the old and the new. This beguiling castle is an outstanding example of the Neo-Gothic style and is admired by specialists everywhere.
