The landscape of North Holland is shaped by a long tradition of water management. In 1923 a number of outposts were built as shelter for workers, horses and equipment used for maintenance and emergency reparations of the dike system. Today, they stand obsolete along the dikes of the IJsselmeer, as monuments to the story of the polder and its shelter from the water. The shelter at Scharwoude has been chosen as pilot project for the repurposing of these characteristic structures.
The proposed interventions follow the system of the original building and reference the spatial layout and color schemes of other Dijkmagazijn interiors. New windows are placed inside existing openings. With shutters closed, the image of the mysterious black object remains preserved. The alternating patterns in the wood cladding of the original structure are translated into the new architecture of the interior.
The project investigates methods of respectful re-use. In the transformation of the Scharwoude Dijkmagazijn into a low-impact sustainable guesthouse, the aim is to touch everything yet do ‘almost nothing’, preserving the austere character outside and the mysterious high contrast interior inside. Sustainable energy technologies are thoughtfully integrated, the additional layers required to meet contemporary standards are carefully sourced, prioritising bio-based and or local circular materials.
project - Shelter Scharwoude
program - guesthouse 150m²
location - Scharwoude
status - under construction
support - Creative Industries Fund NL
client - Culture Matters
photography - Max Hart Nibbrig (model)