Delta Shelter

Terschelling, NL

Type: Residential

Commissoned by: MSc2 Form Studies, Delft University of Technology

Year: 2020

Area: ~ 200 m2

The project is situated on the Boschplaat, a nature reserve on the Dutch island of Terschelling. The pristine landscape, dominated by dunes, grass and stormy weather, can be a hostile environment for mankind. The dramatic views, the pleasant ocean scent and the vast openness of the site however also make it a spiritual place for creatives at heart. The proposal sets out to offer a residence for artists, musicians and the like who want to temporarily escape the routines of their daily lives and tribute their time to their arts and crafts.

Organised in three separate volumes, the refuge seeks the discrepancy of providing shelter and exposing its occupants to the elements, thereby inspiring their creative practices. The volumes, which respectively host the shared living and kitchen, the atelier and study and the sleeping quarters are centered around a patio, protected from wind but not rain. The domestic volumes have large openings with sliding doors towards the three enclosed patios, while its other openings carefully capture the view with frame-like windows. The atelier is configured as a large

open space with stretching views over the Boschplaat with a facade that can be widely opened.

Thresholds between the wild exterior and the intimate domestics are cleverly designed as patios, deep window sills where one can sit or bookshelves around the complex. A wide variety of sitting areas allow the occupants to find a comfortable place for whatever activity they seek to enact, be it with others or alone.