Paul de Ruiter

Inspiration Center Grevelingen

Biobased center with demountable construction at the crossroads of sea and lake

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Inspiration Center Grevelingen is a circular information center, part of the development program 'Zicht op Grevelingen' (View of Grevelingen), initiated by 'Natuur- en Recreatieschap De Grevelingen' (The Nature and Recreation Authority of Grevelingen) to enhance the dynamics of the coastal area. Through interactive displays and storytelling, it presents stories about the local environment, nature, and the impact of water, the delta, and related developments.

Theme:
Public buildings, Circular

Inspiration Center Grevelingen is located in the central part of the dam, near the Kabbelaarsbank. The design consists of three volumes: a tower seamlessly rising above two lower building sections. This tower physically opens the building in the middle, allowing light, air, and space to flow through the heart of the center. The water flow on both sides of the building symbolizes the renewed connection and dynamic between the North Sea and Lake Grevelingen.

The building not only enhances the landscape but also makes nature directly tangible for visitors. What happens on a large scale in Lake Grevelingen is shown on a smaller scale in the center: the difference in water levels on either side of the building illustrates the effects of tidal changes.

The inspiration center symbolizes the careful balance between human intervention and nature. Thanks to the thoughtful design and deliberate use of sustainable, renewable materials, the building takes a prominent place in the ecological landscape. The tower serves both as a landmark in the area and as a viewpoint for visitors. The façades are biobased and made from reeds, while the green roofs, planted with local vegetation, allow the building to blend harmoniously into the surrounding environment. The steel structure is fully demountable, ensuring that the steel can be reused in the future. At the end of its lifecycle, the building will act as a donor building, with materials available for reuse in new developments.

Project details

Gegevens

Naam en plaats Brouwersdam, Grevelingen
Bruto vloeroppervlak 1200 m2
Programma Exhibition space, restaurant and lookout.
Oplevering 2015

Ontwerpteam

Client Natuur- en Recreatieschap De Grevelingen
Project team Paul de Ruiter, Richard Buijs, Marieke Sijm, Joris Korbee, Giorgio Carella
Contractor Bouwbedrijf Boogert
Construction consultant Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft
Structural engineering DWA Gouda
Photography Jeroen Musch, Bart van Hoek

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