Where
the landscape in Seurenheide has served the architecture for years,
architecture now has the opportunity to serve the landscape. The sand
and gravel from the Leukermeer and the Seurenheide lake have made our
built environment possible, without asking for attention. In the same
subtle way, the architecture of the new water pavilion should frame
the landscape and enhance the experience of it.
The
pavilion is designed and positioned as if it were an all-sided
sculpture. This all-sidedness has been given shape by placing the
load-bearing walls in a radial arrangement. This creates a central
space surrounded by a ring of semi-open, more intimate ‘rooms’. The
pavilion opens similarly in all directions, but the view is different
in each direction due to the differences in program and proximity to
the landscape. The radially placed walls and volumes ensure a natural
organization of the necessary facilities.
The
design strives for an energy-neutral building. Sustainability, energy
generation and the reduction of energy consumption have been
integrated into the architecture as much as possible. The walls are
made of rammed earth as a reference to the former function of the
surrounding landscape. The structure of the pavilion is angular,
irregular and over-dimensioned. The structure looks massive and
robust due to the strong earthen walls.
A
large, wooden roof cantilevers differently on all sides. The
finishing of the floor is also made of rammed earth. Together they
provide an unambiguous, warm and sober atmosphere. An atmosphere that
does not distract, so that the focus of the visitors is completely on
the surrounding landscape.