Loenen Pavilion: A serene remembrance haven amid nature, by KAAN Architecten

26/11/2020. [Loenen] The Netherlands
metalocus, MARÍA ANASTIDAS

Architecture firm KAAN Architecten was commissioned by the Netherlands War Graves Foundation (Oorlogsgravenstichting) to design a multifunctional building commemorating the Dutch victims during the Second World War and more recent international conflicts, in Loenen near Apeldoorn, in The Netherlands.

The pavilion was kept as narrow as possible to preserve a maximum number of trees between the two open spaces, its horizontality gently adopts Haspels’ philosophy by avoiding vertical elements, which could disrupt the calming natural atmosphere.

Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten. Photograph by Simone Bossi

Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten. Photograph by Simone Bossi

Connecting rooms in the forest. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Horizontality. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Spatial concept. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Site plan. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Ground floor plan. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Roof plan. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

Section. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

North elevation. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

South elevation. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

West elevation. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

East elevation. Loenen Pavilion by KAAN Architecten.

The project, designed by KAAN Architecten, proposed a harmoniously blending with the surrounding forest. The building is a layered and connecting element between the existing Loenen National War Cemetery and the new National Veterans Cemetery.

The pavilion, with its 52 x 19-meter footprint, stretches like a horizontal white line settled amidst slender birch and pine trees. Seen from above, it is situated between two stretches of woods, flanked by two forest rooms envisioned by landscape architects Karres en Brands.

Strategically placed stone-clad walls and roof perforations exposing treetops and open skies accentuate the alternation between open and closed. Sightlines are directed inward, outward, and through to maintain the fragile aura of light and tranquillity, while the functions flow logically into one another. The main space is an auditorium dedicated to assemblies and funeral services for the nearby National Veterans Cemetery, opening up to a multi-purpose room serving both as exhibition and information space and finally a condolences area.

Project description by KAAN Architecten

The Loenen National War Cemetery site, one of the two located on Dutch territory, was designed by landscape architect Daniel Haspels (1894-1954) shortly after the Second World War, reflecting the landscape of the area with its clusters of wispy trees that honour the peaceful environment and bring comfort to the bereaved. KAAN Architecten opted to draw the trees and building together, letting the trees dictate the structure’s form, to achieve a fusion of architecture and landscaped nature.

The pavilion, with its 52 x 19-meter footprint, stretches along one of the five axes that are the foundation of the site, like a horizontal white line settled amidst slender birch and pine trees. Seen from above, it is situated between two stretches of woods, flanked by two forest rooms envisioned by landscape architects Karres en Brands. The pavilion was kept as narrow as possible to preserve a maximum number of trees between the two open spaces, its horizontality gently adopts Haspels’ philosophy by avoiding vertical elements, which could disrupt the calming natural atmosphere. For this reason, the War Cemetery’s gravestones are lying flat on the grass.

The serene atmosphere and lack of intrusiveness have been achieved by sensitive architectural gestures, proposing an intimate yet open and inviting building; obscured by tree trunks yet in clear view. Strategically placed, natural stone-clad walls stretching from floor to ceiling accentuate the alternation between open and closed. Some walls have benches protruding in the same natural stone as the wall and facing the forest to offer visitors places to rest and contemplate. Atop the walls lies the roof - not merely as a cover for a box, but a horizontal wall with perforations that expose the treetops and open skies. By masterfully directing the sightlines inward, outward, and through, KAAN Architecten maintained the fragile aura of light and tranquillity already imbued in the National War Cemetery.

Everything within the space of the pavilion is related to remembrance and commemoration. Corridors were avoided so the pavilion could remain narrow and functions flow logically into one another. There is an auditorium dedicated to assemblies and funeral services for the nearby National Veterans Cemetery, opening up to a multi-purpose room serving both as exhibition and information space and finally a condolences area. For events and large-scale ceremonies, the auditorium and exhibition space can be merged into a single hall, free of obstacles.

The various spaces each have their own identity and lookouts. The condolences area offers views of two opposite sides, each oriented towards a forest room: one for veteran burials and one for the War Cemetery. Meanwhile, the auditorium looks out over the sightline ending at the cross in the middle of the War Cemetery. The eye is guided through a big window that feels like a large opening in the pavilion rather than a standard window. High ceilings and large roof spans ensure flexibility and contribute to an open sense of space.

The public nature of the pavilion, with an assembly capacity of up to 200 people, required an optimally balanced indoor climate. Necessary ventilation and floor heating systems to achieve thermal comfort have been realized avoiding any visible installations. By assembling a design team of complementary disciplines, even before the design work began, a high degree of sustainability and a minimal environmental impact was achieved.

Gently detached of any religious connotations, the pavilion conveys a calming natural atmosphere to its interiors, thanks to the unconventional open spatial configuration, the abundant natural light and the elegant choice of materials. The distinguished yet subtle Loenen Pavilion architecturally enriches the National War Cemetery, providing a reinvigorated place of honour and consolation, while allowing the forest to be the guide.

KAAN Architecten is currently working a broad number of projects of different typologies, notably the new Amsterdam Courthouse, which will open to the public in early 2021, and the new Visitor Center at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, to be completed in 2022.

More information

Architects

KAAN Architecten, (Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, Dikkie Scipio).

Project team

Alice Colombo, Sebastian van Damme, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Michael Geensen, Nicki van Loon.

Collaborators

Technical installations advisor, physics, fire control, acoustics.- DGMR, The Hague. Construction advisor.- Pieters Bouwtechniek, Delft. Building costs advisor.- B3 bouwadviseurs, Wassenaar. Exhibition design.-: Tinker, Utrecht. AV design.- Nieuwenhuis AV, Apeldoorn. Landscape design.- Karres en Brands, Hilversum.

Client

The Netherlands War Graves Foundation, The Hague. Nationale Veteranenbegraafplaats Loenen, Loenen.

Contractor

Main contractor.- Rots Bouw, Aalten. Construction manager.- Antea Group, Capelle aan den Ijssel. Landscape contractor.- Van de Haar Groep, Wekerom.

Area

GFA.- 583 sqm.

Dates

Competition.- April 2018. Design phase.- May 2018 – May 2019. Completion.- November 2020.

Location

Groenendaalseweg 68, Loenen, The Netherlands.

Programme

Ceremony hall, education centre, exhibition space, condolence room.

Photography

Simone Bossi.

Kees Kaan. KAAN Architecten

KAAN Architecten is a Rotterdam based architectural firm operating in a global context and merging practical and academic expertise within the fields of architecture, urbanism and research on the built environment. The studio, led by Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen and Dikkie Scipio, consists of an international team of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers and graphic designers. KAAN Architecten believes in cross-pollination between projects and disciplines as an essential tool to fostering a critical debate within the studio.

Since the launch of the firm, KAAN Architecten has handled and supervised a wide range of projects, actively working with the private and the public sector, with project teams that become increasingly multidisciplinary and dynamic. KAAN Architecten maintains a culture of constant evolution, which is essential in a profession that changes at a rapid pace. KAAN Architecten seeks to uphold long-term relationships with its clients, consultants and partners.

KAAN Architecten’s projects transcend the traditional notion of scale and typology, ranging from furniture and interiors to urban development and from retail and offices to museums and buildings for health and education.

Selection of completed projects:

2017, B30 – Bezuidenhoutseweg 30, The Hague (NL)!
2016, De Bank – new KAAN Architecten’s office, Rotterdam (NL)
2016, Supreme Court of the Netherlands, The Hague (NL)!
2015, Provinciehuis of North-Brabant, ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL)
2013, Dreamhouse, Rotterdam (NL)!
2013, Education Center Erasmus MC, Rotterdam (NL)!
2010, District Water Board Brabantse Delta, Breda (NL)
!2008, Crematorium Heimolen, Sint Niklaas (BE)!
2004, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague