Last week, De Strakke Hand put the finishing touches to a new mural in the new Leeuwensteyn neighborhood in Utrecht. The work is not only beautiful to look at, because because the work is also a sundial, people can see what time it is.
The ‘Crown on Leeuwensteyn’ is what the new neighborhood next to the Dafne Schippersbrug is called, where 78 rental and owner-occupied homes are being built. It is the first time that De Strakke Hand has been involved in adding wall art from the start of the new construction plans.
Michiel Meulemans of De Strakke Hand says: “Together with the architects, we looked at where our mural would look best. Our designer Stefan has put a lot of time into this over the years. Because of the special project we also wanted to come up with something unique. We created the design in the same art deco style as the houses around it.”
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What makes the mural even more special is that it must last for a very long time. “We used a paint system that, as it were, petrifies with the specific plaster layer. This way the painting will last more than a hundred years. In the past we have sometimes painted a wall that later turned out to be not strong enough, causing our artwork to be degraded. The fact that we have now found a way for the mural to last indefinitely is really great.”
Working this way does take a bit more time, says Meulemans. “But the result and the associated lifespan are certainly worth it in our eyes.”
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Another addition is that the mural can also be used to tell the time. “We collaborated with a company that makes sundials and added a sundial into the painting. In the interplay of lines you can see the seasons and what time it is.”
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Meulemans continues: “We envision that local children will be able to see from the mural what time it is and until what time they can play football outside, for example. Saves another flute concert from a father or mother. This addition is only visible when the sun is shining, of course.”
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Some renovation work still needs to be completed around the mural. If everything goes according to plan, the homes will be delivered this year. Meulemans: “We look forward to seeing the big picture when everything is finished.”
