Dyvik Kahlen
Klingelbeek Estate
2020The Klingelbeek Estate in Arnhem is a remarkable blend of history, community, and innovative architecture. Designed by Dyvik Kahlen for the Dutch developer Schipper Bosch, this project reimagines living within the beautiful green park along the Rhine. The estate comprises eight residential buildings, the first two are elaborated on in this article. The Building with 34 Columns and the House with four Patios. In addition to the architecture, we provide a broader historical context sourced from online research to enrich the narrative.
The estate's history dates back centuries, when it formed part of the hamlet of Klingelbeek. By the 16th century, the estate was owned by Wijnand Hackfort, then mayor of Arnhem, and Aleyt Boshoff, who transformed the granary into a country estate. The Romantic English landscape style influenced the estate during Frederik Gerard Meijbaum's ownership in the 19th century. His contributions included intricate gardens and ornamental structures, such as a coach house and orangery. The late 19th century saw further enhancements by private owners, establishing an elegant driveway and lush parkland. Its villa transitioned into a monastery in the early 20th century, and remnants of this heritage, including a ruin, a natural pond, and an allotment garden, enrich the landscape today. These historical elements are carefully integrated into the new development, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.
^ 1845 - Former Klingelbeek Estate [Source: Gelders Archief, 1551 - 3046. By: Spin, C.A ]
The Klingelbeek Estate as designed by Dyvik Kahlen introduces a diverse mixture of apartment buildings, townhouses, a villa, and a workshop, forming a vibrant community where living and working intertwine. The shared park serves as the estate's communal heart, fostering connections among residents while the design of each building ensures privacy through unique outdoor spaces.
^ Collection of photographs of the Forest Apartments
The Forest Apartments exemplify Dyvik Kahlen's architectural ethos, combining formal clarity with adaptability. A row of columns supports wraparound balconies on all four facades, offering panoramic connections to the surrounding landscape and direct outdoor access from every room. Another row of interior columns, coupled with four walls and five shafts, defines a flexible and open-plan layout. This resilient skeleton provides the framework for a structure that is both functional and aesthetically striking.
^ Collection of photographs of the Forest Apartments followed by plans, elevations and sections.
Situated near the estate's central pond, the Pond House consists of three terraced homes designed with a sensitivity to the sloping landscape. The front façade engages with the square adjacent to the historic villa, marked by rectangular and circular windows that lend a playful yet grounded rhythm. Behind this façade, patios create private exterior spaces, providing a buffer between the homes and the shared park. Inside, an enfilade of rooms cascades downwards, mirroring the terrain and enhancing the connection to nature.
^ Collection of photographs of the Pond house
Dyvik Kahlen's design reflects a commitment to clarity and formal logic. The architecture contrasts with the estate's organic landscape while remaining generous and adaptable. This thoughtful balance allows the buildings to evolve alongside their inhabitants, reinforcing the estate's identity as a vibrant and enduring community.
Completed in 2020, the Klingelbeek Estate is a testament to collaboration, featuring contributions with landscape architects Buro Harro and the contractor Karbouw. The photography is done by Antoine Espinasseau.
^ Excavations and foundations on the construction site
Type: Housing
Design: Dyvik Kahlen
Landscape design: Buro Harro
Location: Arnhem, the Netherlands
Photography: Antoine Espinasseau
Published: December 2024
Category: Architecture