Loenen Pavilion
Loenen Pavilion is a multifunctional building commemorating the Dutch victims of the Second World War and more recent international conflicts. Located in the National Field of Honour, the pavilion follows the site's original landscape design by extending along one of the axes radiating out from the central cross. The pavilion, a horizontal white line among slender birches and pines, is a genuinely serene building that strikes a meticulous balance between being present yet unassuming.
Strategically placed walls stretching from floor to ceiling alternate between stone cladding and glazing, accentuating the open and closed rhythm of the pavilion. Stone benches built into the walls face the forest to offer visitors a place to rest and contemplate. Looking upwards offers views of the trees and sky through perforations in the roof.
The main space is an auditorium dedicated to assemblies and funeral services for the adjacent National Veterans Cemetery. This auditorium opens up to a multi-purpose room serving both as an exhibition and information space, and finally a condolences area. The space can be merged into a single hall for events and large-scale ceremonies.
Detached from any religious connotations, the pavilion appeals to the gentle calmness of the surrounding nature. Its unconventional open spatial configuration, the abundant natural light, and the elegant choice of materials make for a suitably peaceful atmosphere.
Info
- Location
- Loenen, NL
- Date
- 2018–2020
- Size
- 590 sqm
- Client
- The Netherlands War Graves Foundation; Nationale Veteranenbegraafplaats Loenen
- Team
- Alice Colombo, Dikkie Scipio, Kees Kaan, Michael Geensen, Nicki van Loon, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Sebastian van Damme, Vincent Panhuysen
- Photography
- Simone Bossi
- General contractor
- Rots Bouw
- Construction manager
- Antea Group
- Construction advisor
- Pieters Bouwtechniek
- MEP, physics, fire control, acoustics advisor
- DGMR
- Landscape design
- Karres en Brands
- Landscape contractor
- Van de Haar Groep
- Exhibition design
- Tinker
