Meertensgroeve
Nature reserve
Typologie: Landscape Architecture
Location: Meertensgroeve, Vilt, NL
This former gravel pit is now property of 'Stichting het Limburgs Landschap', a foundation that focuses on preservation and development of nature areas in the Dutch province of Limburg. After excavation and motocross purposes, the area developed into a wild nature area and a habitat for various insects, amphibians and reptiles. Due to an extraordinary microclimate within this pit, some rare species like the Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) can be found. Allthough nature took over, the shapes of the land are still reminding of the excavation routes. Their visibility is partly made possible by the Dutch land goats that are placed in the area. They make sure, not all surfaces will be covered by trees and hereby preserve habitats for plants and their guests.
The main concept of the design intervention is enhancing the existing qualities and strenghten them by increasing their visibility. The viewpoint (1) seems to be higher when the route beneath it is moved aside, the meandering excavation paths (2) are made into terraces with a destination, the ponds (3) are shaped as if the soil is pushed and an enclosed space (4) is made into a chamber from which a secret look-out on the open fields is created.
Meertensgroeve
Nature reserve
Typologie: Landscape Architecture
Location: Meertensgroeve, Vilt, NL
This former gravel pit is now property of 'Stichting het Limburgs Landschap', a foundation that focuses on preservation and development of nature areas in the Dutch province of Limburg. After excavation and motocross purposes, the area developed into a wild nature area and a habitat for various insects, amphibians and reptiles. Due to an extraordinary microclimate within this pit, some rare species like the Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) can be found. Allthough nature took over, the shapes of the land are still reminding of the excavation routes. Their visibility is partly made possible by the Dutch land goats that are placed in the area. They make sure, not all surfaces will be covered by trees and hereby preserve habitats for plants and their guests.
The main concept of the design intervention is enhancing the existing qualities and strenghten them by increasing their visibility. The viewpoint (1) seems to be higher when the route beneath it is moved aside, the meandering excavation paths (2) are made into terraces with a destination, the ponds (3) are shaped as if the soil is pushed and an enclosed space (4) is made into a chamber from which a secret look-out on the open fields is created.
Preserving the existing
The design consists of small interventions enforcing the existing shapes and patterns. Therefore, the existing trees are mapped and selected to be kept if they fit the idea of a stronger image in the landscape. Besides keeping trees, there are also new trees added. All these trees are species that allready exist in the area and are native to Limburg.
Two larger European oak trees (Quercus robur) are kept to form a gate to the visitors center in the hidden corner of the gravel pit. Similarly, two field elms (Ulmus minor) are added to a viewpoint from which people allready get a glimps from outside the pit on what is hidden inside; encouraging the will to explore. Other additions are a 'birchchamber' (Betula pendula), a lane of Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) and the edges of a future forest mass between the main part of the gravel pit and the garden area in which the visitors center and the shelter for volunteers is situated.
Water is also kept in place, allthough the shapes are adjusted as are the slopes. The slopes not only provide walking routes, but also a different movement of the rainwater flowing down into the pit.
Exploring atmospheres
The excavation of this former hill created a unique landscape. The steep slopes, ridges, and paths together with their vegetation are nowhere else to be seen. And to embrace these characteristics, the four concepts are introduced.
The viewpoint is a clear destination from which visitors like to look across the area. However, the excavation route has a dead end from which climbing a steep slope is the only way to get there. An extra path is added to make the viewpoint accessible by all visitors. This is done only by scraping off soil which can be deposited elsewhere in the area.
Another viewpoint is hidden within the forest. The 'birchchamber' is a hiding place, not exposed to the outside world; a peacefull place to meditate.
The proces of time
The history of this place shows that the area changed a lot over time. The most recent changes show how nature re-inhabited the land and how maintenance by animals and volunteers is needed to preserve certain conditions.
Future developments should also consider the proces of time, which means the design is flexible and it's outcome is ever changing. Some trees will grow until they become of monumental value and the lane of trees will form a roof as their crowns grow together. In the first years of implementation, the area in between the forest mass area should be inaccessible for the goats. Only then, a natural forest will grow in a most natural proces. Surrounding trees will spread their seeds and saplings will start competing for light and a place within the forest.
Proces not only addresses growth. The soil which is shaped by humans, will start to deform due to erosian. And towards the future, people will still be involved in shaping the landscape, but the area should showcase the proces of time and the beauty of the non-fixed.
Seasonal change
Changes over time also occur as yearly events. Seasonal changes show how lifecycles of plants transform the appearance of the landscape on a daily basis. Colours, textures, patterns, sound and scent result in a dynamic and exiting environmental experience.
In autumn, trees will loose their leaves and hereby light can enter the forest floor. Their roofing capacity is lost, but the rhythm of their stems will remain, keeping their guiding purpose. The garden is only maintained by the volunteers, which means the brooms can bloom again because they're not eaten by the goats.
The sound of the trees leaves, croaking frogs, chirping birds and grasshoppers bring life to the audio experience during spring and summer. And dragonflies will remain flying around in an area which is bursting of life. The Meertensgroeve will be an oasis in the beautiful Limburg landscape.
