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Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)A coastal Dutch fortress has been converted into a spiraling new pavilion and cafe by <a href="http://www.emma-architecten.nl/" target="_blank">Emma Architecten</a>. Situated on a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/" target="_blank">UNESCO world heritage</a> site in Amsterdam, the fortress was originally constructed to defend Holland's capital city. The newly renovated Paviljoen Puur (Puur Pavilion) was inspired by the curving slope of the surrounding landscape, and it's built on the site of a former soldier shelter, where the existing bunkers have been preserved.1
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)The 19th century Fortress Diemerdam was part of the <a href="http://www.stelling-amsterdam.nl/english/" target="_blank">Stelling of Amsterdam</a>, a line of structures originally built to defend the city.2
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)Constructed between 1880 and 1914, the line of defense was made up of 46 forts, batteries, and dykes built around 15 kilometers from the center of Amsterdam.3
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)In addition to the fortress renovation, Emma Architecten also restored the original wooden cottage located on the grounds, which now houses a restaurant.4
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)A wooden wall protects this section of the fortress, which contains the pavilion and cafe.5
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)Through gaps in the wall visitors can look out over gun bays and Island Pampus, the next fortress in the defense line.6
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)The renovation and restoration by the Dutch architecture studio was part of a larger project, and it was recently included on the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/" target="_blank">UNESCO world heritage</a> list.7
Paviljoen Puur by Emma Architecten, images courtesy of John Lewis Marshall (JLM) and John van Helvert (JvH)The cafe has been opened as a venue for events and social occasions.8
