Introduction:
An extraordinary destination can be discovered in the heart of the Ardennes, an area endowed with enormous forests, difficult terrain, rolling hills and ridges: a natural setting on the outskirts of Bouillon’s Botanical and Geographical Arboretum. The city is revered for its medieval fortification, the famed Bouillon Castle, and serves as a tribute to its great historical heritage. The beautiful Semois River winds elegantly across its terrain, providing a tranquil natural beauty to admire. In this one-of-a-kind site, Architecture BRIO has designed this Bouillon nature retreat for individuals looking for a relaxing weekend vacation.
Location:
The natural retreat spot is a short drive from Bouillon’s city centre. It can be entered through the main road on a southeast corner or a quiet path traversing through the woodland across the southern perimeter. Because of its distinct terrain form and diversified surroundings, the location provides a variety of attractive views: some are lengthy and wide, while others are shorter and confined by the formidable forest. This variety of perspectives creates a perfect chance to capture a range of sceneries as carefully created perspectives from within the structure.
Design Concept and Planning:
The Bouillon Nature Retreat was designed with the intention of adopting the sloped terrain, limiting the building footprint, and making use of the stunning views that surround the property. The retreat reflects the shape of a tower. The structure has four levels and is based on a 5.5 m square. Two bridges at two different levels stretch from the tower, allowing connectivity to the plot’s southern extremities. The bridges serve as large outdoor balconies that can be used for a variety of functions. The tower has a gable roof and unevenly arranged windows of various dimensions.
Tower Diagram (2023) Bouillon
The main entrance to the tower is located on the first floor which can be accessed by one of the bridges which not only leads directly to the tower but also allows an individual to see through the space and overlook the forest area behind the structure. On the contrary, the other bridge provides a more mysterious pathway which could keep the visitors more excited as they do not have a direct view towards the main entrance. A sight of the stone edifice emerges from the depths of the green corridor, urging you to continue your adventure. As one enters the building, they are led to the multi-purpose hall, which also includes a bedroom. The ground floor has pathways to the adjacent gardens with 2 bedrooms and the second floor consists of a kitchen and the bridge leading towards the southern decks providing fantastic views towards the spectacular landscapes surrounding the Bouillon Nature retreat. The master bedroom is located above and can be reached by a private staircase. A square space covered with a sleeping loft beneath the sloping roof provides spectacular views in all directions.
Materials used :
The tower is conceived as a monolithic sculptural structure deliberately situated in the midst of omnipresent nature. To preserve visual homogeneity, the tower structure and bridges must be made of the same material. Given the intention to maintain a connection to the local heritage, local Ardennes stone was chosen for the facades. Most of the interior walls are cladded with wooden walls, exposed concrete walls can also be seen in one of the bedrooms, wooden beams and glazed openings. The stone is also used for the flooring of the Multi-purpose hall, with a wooden paneling for the staircase that leads to the floors above.
REFERENCES:
- 1. https://www.architecturebrio.com/projects-item/bouillon-nature-retreat/
