Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners show us the project “The Unbound Amsterdam”, a former wasteland with wild gardens and vegetable and fruit fields, transformed into a sustainable estate.
After much debate Amsterdam municipality decided in 2007 that four polders – wedged in between Amsterdam, the Haarlemmermeer ring canal, Halfweg and the Haarlemmerweg road – were to be developed into a unique, multifunctional urban agriculture and recreation area: Tuinen van West. The ecological values of this big green expanse that encroaches on the city are aimed to strengthen biodiversity & climate change adaptation for a more resilient Amsterdam and a welcoming natural place of retreat for its inhabitants.
Special benches at the beach
Photography: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
Within the Tuinen van West, between the wild gardens and organic vegetable and fruit fields, a former wasteland has been transformed into a sustainable estate: The Unbound. A natural wilderness, programmed with wellness facilities, giving room to luxurious lodges and an exclusive hotel. A space that allows you to unwind and reload. Connect with nature in close proximity to the city.
Lakeview wellness
Photography: Michel Claus
Felixx transformed the existing undeveloped cultural landscape into a lush natural environ- ment by diversifying the topography: a pond, wetlands and hills. This generated conditions for diverse types of vegetation, organically structuring the area in different rooms. Space was left for nature to take its course: hills are overgrown with wildflowers, between the cabins a lush plant growth develops. The (re)introduction of a wide variety of native plants and trees strengthens the biodiversity of the area and attracts wildlife, birds and insects. The adven- turous location is equipped for diverse uses, entertaining guests and visitors. A large tree marks the entrance leading to the hotel, located next to a small lake.
Master plan
Illustration: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
Lake
Illustration: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
Sauna and canoeing facilities are located in the water, separated by a bridge that connects the hotel to the lodge forest. Here, several small cottages are centered around a community building and offer optimal privacy on the individual terraces. The park continues into the wellness forest, where the amphitheater and an elevated yoga field can be found.
Wellness by night
Photography: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
A series of paths connects the entire area and leads to the event field. This intimate and private location is suitable for weddings or temporary festivals. The adjacent playground is an exciting place full of play elements for younger visitors. The urban agriculture vegetable garden included within the plot provides the hotel restaurant with healthy and organic food.
In a joint statement, Marnix Vink of Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners; Jan van Erven Dorens of Dorens Architects, and Renee Appelo, from Studio Appelo said, “The close collaboration between all involved parties ensured that every detail of the boutique hotel and natural garden has been thought through. The outcome is a harmonious and persuasive ambience created by architecture, landscape, the hotel and lodges together. A relaxing and exclusive experience for this city escape.”
Puente con asiento integrado Bridge with integrated seating
Fotografía / Photography: Unboun
Credits:
Company name: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
Lead designer: Marnix Vink
Client : Steengoed, Freelodge
Architects: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners, Studio Appelo, Dorens Architects Contratista de paisajismo / Landsc. Contractor: Flora Nova
Awards: LOOP Design Award (won), Trezzini Awards (nominated), LILA Awards 2022, category Hospitality (won)
https://www.felixx.nl/
