Back to nature
hostel and education center in the rolling woodlands of Bergen op Zoom
about the project
At 'Back to Nature', a unique interplay of functions emerges. Three different stakeholders, each with their own requirements, initially wanted separate buildings. On Brightside's advice, a cohesive complex was created, integrating 3,500 m² of space spread over the three main functions. What happens when a hostel, an education center, and adventure meet the forest? Peek through the foliage to find out!
At 'Back to Nature', a unique interplay of functions emerges. Three different stakeholders, each with their own requirements, initially wanted separate buildings. On Brightside's advice, a cohesive complex was created, integrating 3,500 m² of space spread over the three main functions. What happens when a hostel, an education center, and adventure meet the forest? Peek through the foliage to find out!
location
Boslustweg, Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands
client
Stayokay / NJHC Beheer, Gemeente Bergen op Zoom
completed
2015
role Brightside
architect, interior architect for Stayokay Hostel (in collaboration with Helge Doctors van Leeuwen), landscape architect (in collaboration with EMMERIK), interior exhibition designer (in collaboration with Kimmo de Reuver), project management & construction management
collaborations
EMMERIK garden design and research, Daily Milk, Kimmo de Reuver
advisors
IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs, Adviesbureau VanderWeele
contractor
Bouwbedrijf Boot, Breda / Van Laarhoven Sloopwerken, Dongen / Van Eijk interieurbouw, Nieuw-Lekkerland
project photos
Ossip van Duivenbode
a surprising synergy
Initially, the Stayokay Hostel, Natuurpodium's education center, and Klimbos' outdoor adventure company each had their own plans for seperate buildings. After careful deliberation, our team succeeded in convincing all involved parties to combine the three programs into a single, multifunctional building with a shared theme: back to nature.
process highlights
a happy user is a happy architect
The parking area is nearing completion. Let the visitors come!
the wood in the woods
spiralling upwards
we're having some guests over
can you see the resemblance?
the start of the interior work, kind of...
reaching for the sky...
... layer by layer ...
... up we go!
Maarten giving the alderman Madame a tour of the site
let's get those foundations down!
reuse of the excisting basement makes way for storage and installation space
wildlife taking a look
signing the contract deserves some champagne
this is what "klimbos" used to be
it did need an upgrade
1 + 1 + 1 = 4
Merging the requirements of various stakeholders asked for a versatile design. Sliding doors are used to partition spaces at will, allowing different uses at different times of day. This smart use of space results in a 25% reduction in the building's footprint compared to the initial plans, while the existence of each function enriches the experience of visitors compared to solitary functions and buildings.
ground floor
success in partnership
"The building exceeded my expectations in every respect and, more importantly, it is a great success: both from a commercial and educational standpoint. A quintessential example of an effective public-private partnership. Magnificent!"
Frans Suijkerbuijk - client for the ‘natuurpodium’, project leader at the Municipality of Bergen op Zoom
Contact us to start your project.
We create spaces and like to explore new ways of working together. Getting a better understanding of human dynamics.
Maarten Polkamp
architect/partner
Sander van Schaik
architect/partner
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