MaintenanceNL || Knowledge Circle Monument Glass on April 22, 2026 by BENGglas®
Register directly for the event || 10-02-2026 || OnderhoudNL
How do you make a national monument more energy efficient without compromising its historic appearance? The preservation and renovation project at Huize Heyendael in Nijmegen shows that it is possible to combine heritage and innovation. For example, vacuum glass of the BENG brand has been installed, providing more daylight, free solar heat and lower heating costs. With an impressive U-value starting at 0.40, it far surpasses triple (U=0.70) and HR++ (1.10). And the best part? It simply fits into existing window frames. Ideal for monuments: the original appearance is preserved, while comfort increases significantly.
Making national monuments future-proof
Huize Heyendael is a landmark building on the Heijendaal Campus, located on a former estate in green, wooded surroundings. The monument forms an important part of the identity of the campus of Radboud University, Radboudumc and the University of Arnhem and Nijmegen. Commissioned by the Radboud University, a comprehensive project has started to make the national monument future-proof.
Saving energy with respect for monumental values
An energy recommendation showed that significant gains could be made by improving the window frames and glass. Each window was assessed individually so that the approach would fit both the technical possibilities and the monumental value. In many situations with clear glass, the existing glass can be replaced with BENG glass Extra Clear. Where this is not possible, for example in the case of monumental stained glass, rear windows are installed to preserve the historic elements while improving comfort.
In addition to the glass approach, additional insulation measures are being considered, such as insulating part of the attic floor. This space is currently only used for storage and installations, making sustainability possible here without impacting the character of the building.
Vacuum glass as an innovative solution
During the OnderhoudNL Knowledge Circle Monument Glass on Wednesday, April 22 at Huize Heyendael, Arnoud Heijke, senior account manager at BENGglas, will give a presentation on the application of high-quality vacuum glass within this project. Vacuum glass offers a special combination: a very slim construction starting at only 6.7 mm glass thickness with impressive insulation values starting at U=0.40, making it extremely suitable for renovation and restoration. A monument with history is thus enriched with future-proof insulation without concessions to the authentic character by retaining the existing window frames.
Insight into a special project
Besides a look behind the scenes of this sustainability project by the parties involved, April 22 will also include a tour of Huize Heyendael. An inspiring afternoon for maintenance and glass professionals who want to see how modern craftsmanship is used to prepare monuments for the future.
