Situated near one of the largest lighthouses in Burgh-Haamstede, Netherlands, Piet Oudolf, a renowned garden designer, blurs the boundaries between existing woodlands with naturalistic plantings.
The architecture, designed by VOS, lends a sophisticated and elegant feel to the setting while using similar style wood for a spacious outdoor deck.
Photography above by Claire Takacs & Tom de Witte.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, the gardens include a mixture of shrubs and understory plants with dense foliage, creating a variety of textures and shades of green, adding depth and richness to the composition.
Throughout the site, Paper Bark Birch trees with distinctive smooth and pale bark, are scattered in the garden.
The choice of sustainable materials like wood, corten steel, and crushed gravel paths harmonize seamlessly with the layered, natural look of the landscape while maintaining a clean, contemporary feel.
On the edges of the property, a sinuous natural stone gravel path is nestled in the immersive and lush garden, inviting for leisurely walks and contemplation.
The boundaries between the interior of the home and the exterior are blurred, by using a black facade which blends with the shadows of the landscape.
Additionally, glass walls from the architecture minimizes the separation between interior and exterior spaces, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
The design carefully considered light, transparency, spatial experience, and interaction with the surroundings, while also factoring in the impact of wind and nearby structures on the floor plan layout.
While positioning the building on the plot, consideration was given to a spacious front area, with the southeast facade designed as a closed side facing the hotel.
To comply with height restrictions, additional spaces were created on the ground floor, with some partially sunken into the terrain.
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The horizontally and vertically staggered building volumes result in a dynamic structure, with black horizontal lines of the wooden cladding which creates a stark contrast against the softer, lighter tones of the vegetation.
The use of glass in the architecture allows for reflections of the surrounding nature, subtly blending the structure into its environment. This creates a serene and reflective mood, suggesting a thoughtful and intentional design that values form and function.
This garden design by Piet Oudolf is a striking example of his signature planting design, which combines ecological sensitivity with aesthetic appeal.
Interweaving grasses and perennials in flowing, painterly drifts, the gardens balance wildness with intentional design, where structure and texture are key elements.
Plants were chosen for their ability to thrive in coastal conditions and to provide year-round interest.
Throughout the seasons, the landscape evolves, showcasing different layers of beauty as plants bloom, seed, and fade.
Piet Oudolf is a renowned Dutch garden designer, nurseryman, and author, widely recognized as a leading figure in the “New Perennial Movement.”
His approach to landscape design emphasizes naturalistic plantings, with a strong focus on plant structure, texture, and seasonal interest rather than just color.
Oudolf’s gardens are characterized by their use of grasses and perennials, creating spaces that are beautiful year-round and promote biodiversity.
Nieuw Haamstede is a part of Oudolf’s broader philosophy of designing gardens that reflect natural processes while still offering an artistic, immersive experience. His work at this site remains a significant example of how design and ecology can be harmoniously integrated.
Landscape Architecture by: Piet Oudolf
Architecture by: VOS Design
Photography by: Claire Takacs & Tom de Witte + VOS Team
