Theehuis Pavilion

Theehuis Pavilion in Arnhem, Netherlands by Bjarne Mastenbroek, 2002

Thanks to Robert Gabriël, architecture student at TU Delft, for the accompanying images (click to enlarge) and background information on the Theehuis Pavilion.

Located in National Park Veluwezoom, the Theehuis Pavilion is a replacement for the previous Theehuis after it was destroyed by fire. The Pavilion was designed by Amsterdam's Bjarne Mastenbroek (then architect with de Architectengroep), after winning a competition with his design. Situated approximately 10 km north of Arnhem, the Pavilion provides visitors to the park a place to rest and eat or drink, offering splendid views of the IJssel and Rijn valleys.

Reminiscent of recent buildings by Rem Koolhaas, MVRDV and other Dutch architects, the Theehuis Pavilion attempts to meld into the landscape through the architectural and structural treatment of floors and walls. Floors appear to float in flowing, contiguous spaces. Walls disappear as the structure, tree trunks, resemble the surroundings. A glass skin lends an ambiguity between inside and outside. Here architecture and structure have a symbiotic relationship, to achieve a balance between the Pavilion and its surroundings.

Essentially the Pavilion consists of a kitchen at ground level with public spaces sloping and spiraling up to a cantilevered viewing area. A wood floor, made with cuts perpendicular to the trunk and embedded in epoxy(see image following page), marks the dining area. Here the building opens itself up to views on all sides and provides access to the grass-covered rooftop, an indication that the building's landscape-oriented design embraces sustainability as well.

Bjarne Mastenbroek (1964) studied in Delft; after that he worked as an architect at Mecanoo, in Delft, and for Enric Miralles in Barcelona. Together with Dick van Gameren he started in a new office in 1991, joining 'De Architecten groep' in 1993. They were winners of the Europan 2 competition. In 2002 Bjarne Mastenbroek started his own office.