In 2007, OTH architecten won the architecture pitch set out by Management Centrum de Baak, for designing the landscape and architecture of four new pavilions on Landgoed de Horst (Estate de Horst) in Driebergen, the Netherlands. OTH and the client recognised the potential of this green environment, and agreed this should become the central focus throughout the project. The overall vision: to interact with the surroundings and include nature, culture and the seasons in the decision-making process. The project consisted of two guesthouses, a theatre and an educational centre. Each of them structured very differently, using different materials – yet all pure and simple by nature. The landscape design was shaped by harmoniously connecting the pavilions in a spindle-shaped structure, placing the theatre in its centre.
Educational centre ‘Blauw Gedicht’ The educational / visitor centre was placed in the corner of the property, at the edge of the forest, such that it restored a structure of sight funnels and footpaths. The choice of material and the usage of glass – reflecting the forest – visually blends this building with its surroundings. Equally, the green exterior continues inside: the ground floor literally lies amidst the grass lawns and creates the sensation of truly being part of this historical landscape. Folding doors add a functional connection with the exterior. Particularly characteristic for this building are the closed facades on the rear end, coated with corten steel. This rusty brown colour beautifully matches the shades of the neighbouring forest. The ground floor interior is characterised by flexibility: dividing walls can either be shut for smaller groups or opened to allow larger gatherings. This way, it has become a multifunctional space – housing a variety of functions such as receptions, exhibitions or workshops. From the first floor, the office, employees of de Baak enjoy spectacular views across the estate.
Guesthouses ‘Eb’ and ‘Vloed’ For both guesthouses wood was chosen as the main material, suitably referring to the forest ‘tree houses’. Together, they offer forty unique rooms. The buildings (Ebb and Flood) slide into the forest like giant ‘fingers’. Both were elevated, permitting the natural landscape to remain uninterrupted underneath. This way, the inspiring journey continues at night: while guests sleep above the grass, glass facades make it seem as if one sleeps in either the open air or amidst the trees. Every room was given its own artistic theme, adding a creative dimension. The hotel pavilions were nominated for the Wood Architecture price (Houtarchitectuurprijs) 2012.
Theatre ‘Maitland’ At the centre of the grounds, a round, glass theatre with an ellipse-shaped, tilted concrete roof was placed. This allows visitors to climb the grassy theatre roof on one side and use it as a tribune and outdoor theatre. On the other side of the theatre, they descend underground, into the core of the multifunctional building, via lazy stairs. From within, visitors have an excisional view of the surrounding landscape. Half-sunken underground, this pavilion is at the centre of the estate and confirms – through its sheer shape – the essence of these grounds: to bring together, inspire and educate people so that they may achieve beyond what they imagined.
