A narrative interior for De Hoge Veluwe Landhuis

The construction of the new multifunctional public building in De Hoge Veluwe National Park has been in full swing since July this year and it reached its highest point on Friday 16 November. in recent months a great deal of effort has gone into the interior design. The building, inspired by the country house concept, is a major Gesamtkunstwerk in which everything, from floor to fireplace, is specifically designed for the Hoge Veluwe. Like the building itself, the interior engages with the surrounding landscape. For example through the extraordinary chandeliers that project an enchanting motif on the curved ceiling.

The Landhuis (working title) will be a welcoming, intimate place where, after a long walk, park visitors can relax in the restaurant, enjoy a drink in front of the large fireplace, or relax in the sun with views of the surrounding nature. The park shop is located in the same building and there are facilities for family gatherings or business events.

The spectacular, double roof construction of the Landhuis is visible from far away. Visitors catch a first glimpse of the exceptional interior through the vertical blinds. When they then enter the high space with curved walls, the effect is surprising: the glass façade presents a breathtaking and constantly changing view of the Hoge Veluwe.  Above the heads of the visitors the vaulted ceiling extends over the entire length of the space. Chandeliers, suspended from the ceiling, project an enchanting motif. This lighting installation is designed by Beersnielsen lighting designers and is based on an algorithm of the sun as it shines through the leaves. The shadow patterns draw nature still further into the building, establishing a link between the physical and the virtual world.

The individual interior elements are designed in close collaboration with Vos interieur. Here too, the designs reflect the building’s greatest value, namely its direct connection with the surrounding nature of the Hoge Veluwe. Rugged, but nevertheless rich, natural materials such as leather and oak are used. Materials that become even more beautiful over the years, giving the building an even more distinguished character.

“A place where you feel at home” was another important, guiding principle for the interior design. The designers responded by creating intimate recesses in the glass façade and designing a large fireplace with comfortable chairs along the short side of the building. Bart Vos designed wooden benches for the restaurant with service units at each end. These are arranged across the width, forming subtle breaks in the large area. Each bench consists of three segments that can also be arranged in a different configuration. He also designed the tables. Piet Hein Eek was responsible for the design of the individual seats and Bolidt, together with the designers, developed a new type of poured floor in the colours of the woodland.

The construction of the new, multi-functional building is currently in progress and the aim is to open during the high season of 2019.

View the project.