Zandvoort recreational park was nominated for Archdaily project of the year in 2020

Location: Zandvoort
Year: 2019
Area: 6.774 m2
Status: built
Client: Inleisure
Team: Remko Remijnse, Agnese Argenti, Emanuele Saracino, Manfredi Guidi di Bagno
Landscape: Snoek Puur Groen
Interior: RH Interieurs
Contractor: Barli and Peter Peters

In mid-July 2019, the recreational park Qurios Zandvoort opened in Zandvoort, situated between the beach and the Formula 1 circuit. The park’s unique location near the beach, the Kennemerland National Park, the cities of Haarlem and Amsterdam, and the adjacent Formula 1 circuit attract a diverse range of visitors. This diversity calls for a different concept than the ‘one size fits all’ approach often seen in other recreational parks. Architecture plays a key role in expressing this diversity within the park.

The park consists of 100 cottages and 2 pavilions with public facilities. Designed as a dune landscape, the park has sand literally running up to the buildings. The cottages are situated on various plateaus within the park. The differences in elevation provide privacy between the cottages and make them easily recognizable. The park layout is playful, with each cottage having its own orientation. Together with the rugged dune landscape and the varying elevations, this creates a contemporary and distinctive atmosphere.

The park is compact with an intimate atmosphere and a strong focus on nature. The volumes are predominantly designed with natural materials, contrasting with the smooth design of the undulating dune landscape. The park aims to exude tranquility and relaxation. Children can use the entire park as a playground since parking is centrally located, and no cars are allowed within the park, enhancing the natural experience.

In the park, there are 5 different cottages that form the basic accommodations for the diverse range of guests. Within each type of cottage, there are also several variations based on themes such as Coffee, Clear Nature, Race, and Denim. These themes cater to different target groups, provide identity, and connect the park with its surroundings. The material choice for the cottages is kept simple and robust, with a lot of attention to detail, overhangs, shadow effects, and modern minimalistic design. The architecture clearly reflects the different identities.

For instance, the ‘Adventure’ cottage is compact, playful, and understated. The ‘Family’ cottage is designed for family gatherings, with plenty of space in the living room and ample views of the outdoor area. The ‘Royal’ cottages are more exclusive, emphasizing comfort, luxury, and style. The ‘XL’ cottages accommodate larger groups, featuring a transparent ground floor with a kitchen and living room, and a more enclosed upper floor for the bedrooms. In addition to the basic accommodations, there are also cottages for people with disabilities, group accommodations, and ‘specials’. The specials are designed entirely based on the aforementioned themes. For example, the ‘race’ cottage offers a complete view of the F1 circuit from the upper floor.

Despite the immense diversity, the park exudes tranquility and simplicity, with all buildings clearly part of one cohesive whole.