Location: Brielle
Year: 2019-2023
Area: 1.720 m2
Status: built
Client: Inleisure
Team: Remko Remijnse, Agnese Argenti, Emanuele Saracino
Landscape: Snoek Puur Groen
Interior: HD+VK
Contractor: Lagendijk en Stout

Near the historic fortified town of Brielle, the Lakeside MFA is located on the Brielse Meer. The MFA houses functions such as shop, restaurant, hotel rooms and bicycle rental to support both the recreational park of the same name in which the building stands and to support the surrounding area with programmes such as childcare and conference rooms. This remarkable building is of contemporary architecture as a testimony to the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. This unique place embodies Dutch hospitality and ingenuity, offering visitors and users an unforgettable experience.

The modern multifunctional accommodation is a fusion of architectural expression, where modern elegance gracefully merges with the city’s rich historical charisma. Nestled amid lush greenery, the pavilion-like structure has clean lines and glass facades, creating a graceful contrast with the centuries-old buildings in the area. This versatile accommodation extends over two floors, with the ground floor thoughtfully embedded in a lush green hill, recalling Brielle’s historic citadel wall. This architectural element not only gives the accommodation a unique character, but also reinforces its connection with the city’s glorious past. The green slope itself will be used multifunctionally. There is space here for yoga classes in the morning, children playing from daycare in the afternoon and seating areas for catering. Guests can enjoy a serene atmosphere and a sense of connection to history while indulging in modern comforts and looks.

For those looking for event venues, this MFA offers a range of flexible spaces suitable for conferences, weddings and special occasions. What sets these spaces apart is their multi-functionality, allowing them to be adapted and transformed throughout the day to serve different purposes. Whether for meetings, workshops or festive dinners, the accommodation adapts seamlessly to the needs of guests. The routing in the MFA is clear and walking lines are short because of its compact construction. The entrance to the catering facilities is deliberately on the first floor so that there is an overview of the area here. There is a ramp and lift for the disabled. The ramp winds like an elegant mountain road over the hill to the terrace on the first floor.

The accommodation’s expansive roof enhances the building’s visual appeal. Decorated with black wooden panels, the roof offers a striking contrast to the glass and wooden façade of the second floor. Moreover, there are vertical black boards on the roof that play with sunlight and shadows during the day, making the outdoor space a dynamic and engaging environment. The roof is the connecting element between the 2 pavilion-like volumes on the first floor and the various outdoor spaces. Above the outdoor spaces, the roof is an open structure of laminated wooden beams. The roof itself acts as its own biotope. The roof is dotted with local vegetation and has its own water management system. This ensures that the roof is an addition for biodiversity.

All glass facades of the accommodation can be fully opened, creating a seamless interaction between the interior and exterior. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape of Lake Brielse Meer while feeling surrounded by the comfort of the accommodation. This feature promotes a sense of openness and deep connection with the natural environment.

Whereas the first-floor programmes engage with the surroundings, the ground-floor programmes are instead subdued, offering serenity and tranquillity. On the ground floor, the four inlets in the hill clearly indicate the different entrances. This prevents conflicts between the different users and functions. The 4 coves also emphasise the different lines of sight on each side of the building, allowing interaction with the outside on each side and giving identity to the function.
This accommodation is a beacon of sustainability and environmental awareness. With its wooden construction and green roof, it contributes to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings. Moreover, the building is energy-neutral, generating as much energy as it consumes, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.