Park Pavilion The Hoge Veluwe National Park

In June this year King Willem-Alexander opened the new Park Pavilion in the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The new building is a striking landmark in the middle of the forest and is an ideal base for a day out in the Hoge Veluwe. A key point of departure for the architects was that the entire building must form an integral part of the landscape and the park experience. This is not only reflected in the design itself, but also in the collaboration with lighting specialists and interior designers. The entire building reflects the direct connection with the surrounding natural landscape.

“An architectural marvel composed of wood and glass. Most beautiful of all: the lamps that project imitation roof foliage on the vaulted ceiling, and birds chirping from dozens of small speakers. You feel you’re right in the middle of nature.” Christiaan Weijts, novelist and columnist

The Park Pavilion is set in an open space in the heart of the park and is reminiscent of a country house. When approached from the narrow end, the building’s silhouette with its distinctive double roof can be seen between the trees from a long distance away. Behind this, the building evolves into an unusual, curved form, with a more intimate scale.

Like the building itself, the interior forms an alliance with the surrounding landscape. Visitors entering the high space with curved walls will be surprised at how the glass wall presents an ever-changing view of the Veluwe. Above their heads, the vaulted ceiling extends over the entire length of the space. Nine chandeliers project a magical pattern on the ceiling. This light installation is based on an algorithm of the sun shining through the leaves – an example of biophilic design. The shadow patterns draw nature into the building and form a connection between the physical and the virtual world.

The Park Pavilion is a welcoming, intimate place where, after a long walk, visitors can relax in the restaurant, enjoy a drink while looking at the shadow patterns on the ceiling, or rest in the sun with a view of the surrounding nature.