The project, situated on the historic inner area of Drakenhof Castle, has been developed from the start as a green living environment, based on the concept of ‘pavilions in the park’. The entire inner area will be a private domain, although it will be open to the public for pedestrians and cyclists. The driveable access roads are constructed from small-scale materials (cobblestones), the walkways from gravel. This choice of materials will force cyclists to cross the park at a walking pace. The entrances to the underground car parks will be integrated into the landscape by allowing greenery to cover the walls.
The new residential pavilions are lower than all the surrounding buildings, including Drakenhof Castle, so that they are lower than the treetops and are, as it were, absorbed by the greenery.
Through the use of materials such as wood-coloured panels, the new entities blend in with the environment. The old Drakenhof Castle is being renovated and forms the final part of this quiet park district. In keeping with the landscape concept, the terraces of the pavilions form horizontal strips of white concrete, which create a clear stratification. The intermediate zone is a play of open and closed sections in glass and wood-coloured panels. The new volumes present themselves as light and elegant entities in the green park area. In order to offer diversity within this design language, the volumes are designed orthogonally or fluently.
The existing castle will be completely renovated to accommodate four apartments. To emphasise the individuality and character of living in this old castle villa, the valuable elements such as specific tile patterns, existing beams, chimney finishes and the like will be preserved. In consultation with Monumentenzorg, the new sections will be developed using a contemporary architectural language, without, however, contrasting with the historical castle architecture.
