A view of nature is proven to contribute to patient well-being. That is why, at the new Bravis Hospital in Roosendaal, the landscape is never far away. The design capitalizes on the qualities offered by the adjacent, new landscape park ‘De Bulkenaar’—designed by Karres+Brands. By fostering a continuous dialogue between the building and nature, engaging all the senses, the hospital becomes a seamless extension of the landscape park.
Cloverleaf Design
The shape and positioning of the building's four ‘stepped cloverleaf’ wings ensure optimal use of daylight and views of the green surroundings. The spaced-out wings allow the landscape park to flow into the heart of the site, reaching the facades and extending into the building itself. The stepped form of the building sections provides space for roof gardens and ensures maximum visibility of the landscape. Additionally, the floor plan and recessed levels allow for increased natural light throughout the interior. On the ground floor, a restaurant features a terrace that fans out into De Bulkenaar park. The outdoor space at Bravis is designed as a true healing environment, where movement, health, tranquility, and nature are experienced even from within the hospital.
Seamless Landscape Integration
The crucial structures of the landscape park are extended around the new hospital. Together with the specific landscape typologies—plantation, forest, and stream valley—they anchor the hospital within the park. Pedestrian and cycling paths on the hospital grounds and the landscape park form a joint network. Furthermore, the materials used for the paths are identical, creating a fully integrated whole.
Healing Environment
Using four core design principles, we have created both a ‘healing environment’ and a ‘healthy environment.’ We ensure a pleasant, green arrival with seasonal appeal; all patient areas are oriented toward the park with views of greenery; the park flows into the hospital core via green zones, atria, and patios; and the outdoor space encourages physical activity through a dedicated exercise garden and intuitive routing. From the south-oriented park terrace, everyone can enjoy the vibrant life of the park.
Protective Buffer
A dense forest belt on and adjacent to the hospital site provides a buffer and filter against the A58 motorway. By planting species such as the trembling poplar (aspen) in this zone, we create a natural sound barrier. Offshoots of this forest belt provide a spatial framework for the staff parking lot (approx. 900 spaces). The logistical operations are designed compactly to nestle within the landscape structures, keeping paved surfaces to a minimum.
Interplay of Levels and Water Management
Soil balance, construction levels, and water storage form a cohesive system. The entire site is capable of storing over 5,000 m3 of water within the parking areas and storage basins. The surface-level staff parking is given a particularly green character through the use of permeable grass pavers and infiltration zones.
For the Bravis Hospital, in collaboration with Team aan de Schie (Vakwerk Architecten and architectenbureau cepezed), Van de Laar/ABT, and Deerns, we developed the Preliminary Design (VO) and Final Design (DO) following the initial Sketch Design. We are currently working on the Technical Design (TO).
