mecanoo designs gatehouse topped with a timber canopy for keukenhof flower garden

mecanoo has installed a striking timber roof canopy at keukenhof, the world famous flower garden in the netherlands. the structure — which serves as the site’s main entrance — rests on two built volumes, forming a engaging gateway to the park. the stepped roof structure of interwoven isosceles triangles provides shelter, while casting an ever-changing play of light and shadow.

all images © mecanoo

keukenhof, also known as the garden of europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. located in the town of lisse, the attraction welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year from more than 100 different countries. ‘the gatehouse is the transition between the outside world and the world of keukenhof and all its flowers,’ explains francine houben, mecanoo’s creative director. ‘while walking through the entrance, you will see the beautiful dutch skies above framed by timber triangles. look down and you will see an intriguing pattern of triangular shadows on the ground.’

the structure serves as the site’s main entrance

the design comprises a forecourt that leads visitors from the main car park to the entrance. the gatehouse contains public functions such as cash registers, information desks, and retail outlets, while the offices on the first floor — used throughout the year — offer sweeping views across the park. on warm days, the glazed façade can be opened almost entirely. the scheme employs a range of natural materials, including wood, copper, and brick, so as not to detract from the rural landscape.

a forecourt leads visitors from the main car park to the entrance

the stepped roof structure comprises a series of interwoven isosceles triangles

the gatehouse contains public functions such as cash registers and information desks

flower-themed patterns have also been applied to the scheme’s gates

offices on the upper level offer sweeping views across the park

the scheme employs a range of natural materials, including wood, copper, and brick

keukenhof, also known as the garden of europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens

the attraction is located in the dutch town of lisse

keukenhof welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year

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project info:

location: lisse, the netherlands
program: gatehouse of 3,200 sqm with cash registers, restaurant, retail, visitor facilities and offices, including 1.35 ha of landscape design
design: 2013-2015
realization: 2015-2017
client: stichting internationale bloemententoonstelling keukenhof, the netherlands
project management: frans de brabander, poeldijk, the netherlands
structural engineer: IMD bv, rotterdam, the netherlands
mechanical and electrical engineer: DWA, bodegraven, the netherlands
contractor: van wijnen, dordrecht, the netherlands

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