Cabins
March 30, 2024

i29 And NAMO Architecture Design Sustainable Stays Among the Trees at Buitenplaats Koningsweg

Within a unique initiative, 11 whimsical structures have been developed in the woods over the past year, crafted to serve as holiday retreats.

Project: Buitenverblijf Nest

Location:
The Netherlands

Architects:
i29 Architects, NAMO Architects

Typology:
Cabins

Year: 2024

Nestled discreetly within the serene expanse of the Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands lies an artistic sanctuary seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings: Buitenplaats Koningsweg. Formerly a barracks site, this enclave now teems with dozens of artists and creative entrepreneurs who live and work amidst the verdant landscape. As a special initiative by the municipality of Arnhem, 11 whimsical structures known as “folly’s” have been ingeniously crafted within these woods, serving as unique holiday accommodations. The overarching theme of the project is ‘camouflage,’ paying homage to the site’s historical significance.

Each folly encapsulates a distinctive architectural marvel, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to dwell amidst nature’s embrace. The essence of the camouflage ethos lies in ensuring that these structures harmonize with rather than overpower their surroundings, becoming welcomed guests within the landscape. Nestled among the forest canopy, Buitenverblijf Nest stands as a testament to this ethos, resembling a stunning avian abode. Crafted with a deep reverence for the environment, Nest embodies sustainability through its utilization of eco-friendly materials and all-electric systems powered by solar panels.

With its slender black supports and unassuming silhouette, Nest exudes a sense of tranquility and comfort. Perched atop the treetops, it affords its occupants unparalleled vistas of the heathlands, enveloping them in a cocoon of privacy. Yet, Nest’s allure extends beyond human habitation, offering a sanctuary to a myriad of avian and arboreal inhabitants.

Inspired by the humble birdhouse, Nest seamlessly integrates into the wooded landscape. Its design, characterized by three gradually expanding layers, provides ample nesting spaces within its facades for a plethora of winged creatures. Beneath its sleek exterior, black steel frames and plinth beams offer additional refuge for wildlife.

Ascending to the first level, guests are greeted by a well-appointed kitchen and living area, bathed in the gentle glow of natural light. Adjacent to this space, a terrace beckons, offering panoramic views and basking in both morning and evening sun. Clever design elements, such as integrated storage solutions and a compact kitchen, maximize the efficient use of space. Ascending further, a mezzanine floor hosts a bathroom, seamlessly integrated with a staircase cupboard. At the pinnacle of Nest’s charm lies a spacious bedroom, adorned with a luxurious four-person bed. Despite its compact footprint, Nest’s interior design fosters a sense of spaciousness, accentuated by expansive windows that frame breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape.