HOUSE OF NATURE

House of Nature, an innovative Landscape Architecture project designed as a gateway into the National Park Bosland in Lommel, Belgium.
This unique project tells the story of exceptional natural wonders to be discovered in the National park such as the unique dune habitats, the most important land dunes in all of Flanders.
This innovative architectural Landmark flows into the landscape and forms a symbiosis with its surroundings and the environment. It is made of a complex structure of Corten steel supported by 12 large iron pillars from the inside. The outer shell is also Corten steel, a very sustainable and earthy coloured material built to withstand the test of time. Thousands of welding points, each meticulously made by hand can be seen covering the shell, a testament to the hours of work necessary to complete this Artwork.
House of Nature is 50m long, 8m high.
The encompassing shape of the structure unfolds into a natural meeting and picknick location where people can pause, reflect and immerse themselves in the environment.
The Landmark House of Nature was commissioned by the City council of Lommel, one of the councils making up the National park Bosland.
There was previously no clear entry point into the National park from Lommel, the council wanted an imposing gateway that could be seen from afar and would form a sustainable Landmark.
The main goal was to create a single point of entry into the National park Bosland, a gateway which could be used as a focal meeting place to bring visitors together
from where they could enter the National park.
The unique design and stature flow into the landscape due to its organic design and embracing appearance despite its enormous size.
The importance of the project as an artwork is to integrate Nature, Landscape Architecture, local wildlife and Art, bringing a much-needed Landmark to the National Park Bosland and leaving a sustainable and innovative Land Art sculpture for the local population and visiting tourists.