On the outskirts of Arnhem in the eastern Netherlands, a surprising new master plan has come to fruition. Completed by International architectural practice MVRDV, Arnhem-based landscape architectural studio Buro Harro, and developer KondorWessels Projecten, the lush master plan has transformed a former World War II German military base into a residential and cultural enclave in the midst of the Veluwe (a forest-rich, lowland natural reserve). The entire project commenced in 2010 and combines history, housing, culture, and nature in a unique setting.
The recently completed “Buitenplaats Koningsweg” was at one time two camouflaged barracks — Kamp Koningsweg Noord and Zeven Provinciën — built in the vicinity of Deelen airbase (founded in 1913, this was the largest German airbase in the Netherlands during WWII). Here, concrete military bunkers were disguised as quintessential Dutch villages and farms and even included fake cows and horses. The setting’s natural landscape is particularly pertinent to the newly realized Buitenplaats Koningsweg: Veluwe is an important natural area in the Netherlands and the country’s largest land-based Natura 2000 protected site.
Numerous alterations were made to the former military base in the latter half of the 20th century before any remaining structures were included on the Dutch list of national monuments. The master plan by MVRDV and Buro Harro follows the rules determined by the national monuments register: existing mainly brick buildings are preserved in the case of original German constructions and transformed in the case of subsequent Dutch constructions. Any modifications — for example, new doorways and dormer windows — can be identified by the use of a dark grey finish. Buildings that were demolished in the past have been rebuilt in the same size and shape and finished in light grey materials. This includes the completion of three sustainable residential blocks that provide a total of 21 homes (labeled KKN 1, KKN 2, and KKN 3).
The buildings at Buitenplaats Koningsweg were built to be invisible from the outset, disguising their true military purpose. Approaching the project, MVRDV founding partner Nathalie de Vries questioned: “How could modern interventions help to draw attention to their history, while preserving the integrity of that disguise?” The answer was to set about ensuring any changes were plainly visible. “The clear delineation between the old, new, and reconstructed elements, along with unexpected details such as the meter-thick bunker walls of the historic buildings, helps people to intuitively interpret the site’s story,” says de Vries.
The master plan’s development made effective use of the surrounding landscape — the transformation began by “pulling the Veluwe landscape over the site like a blanket,” says Harro de Jong of Buro Harro, referencing the manner in which the barracks and airbase were originally camouflaged. “When we first started, the site was a desolate, heavily paved, and built-up area,” says de Jong. To rectify this, considerable steps were taken to rewild the area: across Buitenplaats Koningsweg, a minimum amount of hard landscaping is used with narrow footpaths ensuring nature can flourish between and around built elements; in addition, the removal of fences that once enclosed the site enables wildlife to roam freely. The rewilding of Buitenplaats Koningsweg greatly enhances its connection with the Veluwe area and as a consequence, ownership of the area’s public spaces will be officially handed over to the municipality of Arnhem.
The master plan incorporates eleven characterful follies, available to the public as holiday lets. The quirky architectural designs blend with the forest, playing with the theme of disguise. Follies include:
“Buitenverblijf Nest” by i29 and NAMO Architecture (Read more about this folly on Archello here.)
“Folly BAT” by Architectuur Maken
“Dolmen” by Space Encounters
The master plan’s final stage included the development of three similar residential blocks. Designed by MVRDV, each block is an attractive terrace comprising seven homes with a mix of floor plan arrangements (21 homes in total). The blocks were constructed on the same location and with the same shape and size as buildings that previously existed on the site — light grey slate walls and roofs identify the terraces as new constructions.
The homes are raised above ground level and include outdoor decks; there are no gardens, but each home enjoys a connection with the forest as well as large, shared spaces between the buildings.
MVRDV ensured sustainability was integrated into the overall design of the new homes: walls and roofs are constructed with timber frames; in the concrete mix, gravel is substituted in part with recycled aggregate; floating decks are made with recycled plastic. A combination of solar panels and high insulation values ensures the five homes in the middle of each residential block are energy neutral; those homes at either end are almost energy neutral.
Car and bike parking spaces are included beneath each block and include electric car charging facilities.
Master plan (2010 – 2024):
14.5 hectares (approx. 36 acres) including the regeneration of 40 historic buildings and 11 new follies
Three residential blocks (2018 – 2024):
4,932 square meters (53,088 square feet)
