The project, carried out by the Woonwerk Architecten team, is concerned with ensuring that the expansion can accommodate the growing number of visitors without neglecting the qualities of the original building. To achieve this, they opted to expand, renovate, and redesign the center, creating spaces that can accommodate new functions. Doubling the total area, the expansion consists of educational spaces with panoramic views, a large restaurant, a workshop, and a series of work offices.
For its execution, the expansion favors using the same palette of materials, respecting the architectural language of the existing building. Enhanced by bright yellow tones, the original building is incorporated into the proposal as a beacon of entry to the Oostvaardersplassen. The new intervention not only improves the functionality and accessibility of the old building, but also accentuates its connection with the unique environment in which it is located, effectively integrating the landscape into the interior.
Aerial view. Expansion of NBC de Oostvaarders by Woonwerk Architecten. Photograph by Luuk Kramer.
Project description by Woonwerk Architecten
Iconic site – iconic building
The Nature Experience Center stands at the edge of the Oostvaardersplassen in Almere, one of Europe’s most unique and internationally renowned nature reserves. Positioned where four distinct landscapes converge—water, forest, reed beds, and polder land—the building is a physical landmark and a vital link between the city and its surrounding nature. Since its completion in 2008, the original building serves as a hub for nature education and observation. With the designation of the Oostvaardersplassen as part of Nieuw Land National Park, interest in the site grew rapidly, attracting a diverse range of visitors: nature enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists, school groups, and international tourists alike.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, it has been decided to expand, renovate and redesign the center. The project is the result of close collaboration between several local organizations—Stad & Natuur Almere, Staatsbosbeheer (the State Forestry Commission), Paviljoen De Oostvaarders, and Vogelwacht (Bird Watch). This partnership shaped the design approach and parameters, ensuring the extension respects and strengthens the qualities of the original building while providing space for new functions.
Growth in scale and functionality
The transformation was substantial: the layout has been completely revised and the overall floor areas has doubled. While the existing building continues to serve as the main entrance, the expansion introduces a range of new facilities: educational spaces with panoramic views, a spacious restaurant, and a workshop. The top floor now accommodates new offices, creating a fully equipped workplace for the organizations involved.
The surrounding amenities, such as a large parking lot and improved access route were also added and were an integral part of this expansion project.
Architecture in balance with nature
The original building was conceived as a beacon: a compact vertical volume highlighted by bright yellow accents, underlining its role as a gateway to the Oostvaardersplassen. The expansion respectfully continuing the same architectural language and material palette— black-stained timber façades with vertical detailing—while introducing a strong horizontal gesture.
A pergola with an adjoining terrace extends the building outward, integrating a continuous bench beneath it. This provides a welcoming place to pause, meet, or take shelter from sun and rain.
Learning from nature
The expansion is designed to enrich the experience of nature and improve functionality. Circulation and accessibility have been reconfigured, while the building now makes full use of its spectacular surroundings. From the entrance, visitors are naturally guided toward the panoramic room, offering views of the Oostvaardersplassen, effectively drawing the landscape indoors.
The upper floor accommodates the exhibition spaces, a panoramic room, an auditorium and an open-air platform that provides a unique vantage point across the landscape.
Nature – inclusive and sustainable
The original building was the first in the Netherlands to be constructed entirely from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)—an innovative, demountable timber construction technique that aligns perfectly with the ambition to use natural materials and ensure a future-proof design. Stricter fire safety regulations required the renovation of the existing façade, which provided the chance to incorporate nesting facilities for bats, owls, and sparrows.
The roof is planted with a native mix of flowers and herbs and supports biodiversity. The outdoor spaces were planted with woodland areas, open grasslands, and solitary trees reinforcing the qualities of the nature reserve. The paving, with its irregular layout responds to the capricious character of nature while creating a striking contrast with the dark volume of the building.
Image and identity
De Oostvaarders has become a defining landmark for the city of Almere, strengthening its identity and contributing to the quality of the living environment. The center now also functions as a collaborative hub where organizations such as Stad & Natuur Almere, Staatsbosbeheer, Paviljoen De Oostvaarders, Vogelwacht, and the municipality of Almere come together. This collaboration reinforces the institute’s role as a driver of progress and future ambitions.
