The project involves the reprogramming of a historical and derelict building through renovation and addition. The original bunker is part of an intricate water management system that enabled the inundation of land in case of attack situated in a classic, Dutch polder landscape. Stables and polo fields now surround the building and the new addition is intended as a large space with facilities to support a meeting space or business retreat. The existing 1936 bunker remains intact except of a portion of the concrete roof where the new structure connects whilst the new addition is like an umbrella, an addition that could be removed and does not damage or permanently influence the historic structure. The metallic addition appears to have grown out of the still visible concrete facades of the bunker, cantilevering out towards the sports fields with its large single window. In fact the space is designed with steel structures within its two main walls which act as one story high beams. These beams are balanced off center on two columns that land directly in front of the existing bunker. Stability is achieved by using the massive concrete shell of the bunker as a counterweight, offsetting the forces of the cantilevering extension by connecting it with the two beams. The bunker houses all the new installations and public circulation restricted to the new addition. Entrance into the building is accessed between the existing bunker’s outer façade, which remains uncovered, and the new façade cladding of the addition.
More Projects by UNStudio
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Mole Architects and Invisible Studio complete sustainable, utilitarian building for Forest School Camps
Mole Architects and Invisible Studio have completed “The Big Roof”, a new low-carbon and... More
Key projects by NOA
NOA is a collective of architects and interior designers founded in 2011 by Stefan Rier and Lukas Ru... More
Introducing the Archello Podcast: the most visual architecture podcast in the world
Archello is thrilled to announce the launch of the Archello Podcast, a series of conversations featu... More
Taktik Design revamps sunken garden oasis in Montreal college
At the heart of Montreal’s Collège de Maisonneuve, Montreal-based Taktik Design has com... More
Carr’s “Coastal Compound” combines family beach house with the luxury of a boutique hotel
Melbourne-based architecture and interior design studio Carr has completed a coastal residence embed... More
Barrisol Light brings the outdoors inside at Mr Green’s Office
French ceiling manufacturer Barrisol - Normalu SAS was included in Archello’s list of 25 best... More
Peter Pichler, Rosalba Rojas Chávez, Lourenço Gimenes and Raissa Furlan join Archello Awards 2024 jury
Peter Pichler, Rosalba Rojas Chávez, Lourenço Gimenes and Raissa Furlan have been anno... More
25 best decorative glass manufacturers
By incorporating decorative glass in projects, such as stained or textured glass windows, frosted gl... More