Dutch city Almere held a competition recently to develop architecture in and around the Weerwater lake that sits at the heart of the city. One of the winners, Rene van Zuuk, created a curvy little chapel that sits on the surface of the lake. Visitors can reach the small chapel via an extension, giving people a sense of peace and solitude in the middle of the water.
The chapel will be made out of foam cut with a CNC machine and then covered in zinc. Internally, the chapel will be lined in warm plywood. A petal-shaped opening allows light to fill the space.
“It is a place close to the city hall for the people of Almere to be able to get married but also close to the hospital where people can mourn. It is a location for the Christmas nativity scene in December, and a quiet place for reflection and small services throughout the rest of the year,” said Van Zuuk.
Related: Zinc-Clad Leaning House Tilts Upwards to Let in Buckets of Sunlight
Four other individuals won the competition to build in Almere, and those designs will include gardens, a bridge and a community area. The plan is to bring people to the lake and improve the area, revitalizing a forgotten space. MVRDV has also presented plans to update the area.
Via Dezeen
Images via Rene van Zuuk
