A giant timber canopy by Mecanoo covers the world's famous gardens at Keukenhof in Netherlands by creating impressive shadow-light effect between two volumes. This striking timber roof leans on two volumes, forming an impressive gateway to the park. 

This porous installation built from the stepped roof structure of interwoven isosceles triangles-which provides a shelter-and it creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow.

Mecanoo's giant wooden canopy takes the visitors from the outside world leaves to the world of flowers by also presenting a new public space to meet, seat and spend hours under this elegant roof. 

''The gatehouse is the transition between the outside world and the world of Keukenhof and all its flowers. 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. A fence with a tulip motif marks the beginning of a journey of discovery through the park,'' said Mecanoo.

Gatehouse encompasses a total of 3,200 square-metre area with cash registers, restaurant, retail, visitor facilities and offices, including 1.35 ha of landscape design.

The integral design for the entrance area includes two plazas. A forecourt with wedge-shaped planters leads visitors from the main car park to the entrance. The stepped roof leans on two volumes, forming an impressive gateway to the park. 

The gatehouse houses public functions such as cash registers, an information desk and retail. Skylights in the roof create a spacious and light atmosphere in the restaurant. The office spaces on the first floor, used year-round, offer extending views over the park.

Mecanoo uses natural materials for design including wood, copper and brick, lends character to the building without being a distraction from its environment. On a beautiful spring day, the glazed facade can be opened almost entirely, blending the interior with the exterior. 

Ponds with fountains provide a suitable ambiance for a pleasant day out and sitting on the spacious terraces, visitors are treated to views over the largest tulip field inside the ‘most beautiful spring garden in the world’.

Situation plan

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Roof plan

Cross-section office

Longitudinal section

East facade

West facade

North facade

South facade

Project facts

Programme: Gatehouse of 3,200 m2 with cash registers, restaurant, retail, visitor facilities and offices, including 1.35 ha of landscape design.

Design: 2013-2015

Realisation: 2015-2016

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

All images © Mecanoo 

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