In the short time the monastery has existed, its architecture has received widespread appreciation. The awards won so far are listed below.
2025
- Vredeman de Vries Prize (Province of Fryslân)
The Vredeman de Vries Prize for Architecture was awarded to Nijkleaster in November 2025. Read more
- Pieter van Vollenhoven Prize (Restoration Fund)
Perseverance, courage, and reflection were the decisive arguments for the jury in naming Nijkleaster – Klooster Westerhûs in Hilaard (near Jorwert) as the winner of the 2024 Pieter van Vollenhoven Prize. On September 24, 2025, former chairman of the Restoration Fund, Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven, personally presented the award to the initiators. Read more
Photo report of the award presentation by Pieter van Vollenhoven.
In 2025, Klooster Westerhûs was also in the running for the Abe Bonnema Prize. Out of 57 entries, we were among the 8 entries that were visited. The jury also expresses its appreciation for the four projects that were visited but ultimately fell short when choosing the nominees. Those are also buildings with exceptional qualities. From the jury report:
“The Head-Neck-Monastery in Hilaard by J.O.N.G. architecten charmed the jury. The initiative to create a community in this historical location is very valuable. The integration of existing and new architectural parts has been done lovingly. The architect shows ambition and an inspiring design attitude, with respect for history, empathy for materials, and compassion for the landscape.”
2024
- Gulden Feniks (NRP)
During the NRP Congress in Nijmegen on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Nijkleaster was named the winner of the Gulden Feniks. The NRP Gulden Feniks is the national award for the renovation and transformation of the built environment. Successes and insights are shared here; the Gulden Feniks is an award to learn from. Read more
