Enzo Valerio
Pinetum Blijdenstein
2018 - 2023In 2018, a competition was held for a new pavilion in the Pinetum Blijdenstein botanical garden in Hilversum, attracting 135 architectural firms, including several prominent international names. Following a rigorous selection process, which narrowed the field to eight, then four, proposals, Enzo Valerio's design was selected as the winning entry. Over the next few years, the design evolved through close collaboration with Pinetum Blijdenstein, alongside efforts to secure funding for construction. After obtaining a building permit in 2022, numerous tests, material samples, and design iterations were conducted, culminating in the pavilion’s initial staking out in March 2023.
Enzo Valerio’s studio is distinct in its hands-on approach, allowing continual refinement and adaptation throughout the construction phase. The pavilion’s architectural form comprises three robust, monolithic walls that appear to emerge naturally from the forest floor, seamlessly blending with their surroundings. A fluidly connected floor flows between the walls in three distinct directions, each creating a unique atmosphere and function. Above, a cantilevered roof appears to fold organically around the surrounding trees. The entire structure was crafted from a custom concrete mixture, incorporating sand excavated from the pavilion’s foundation and stones gathered on-site. This blend, featuring Hilversum’s characteristic yellow sand, lends a warm tone to the concrete.
The geological uniqueness of Hilversum’s soil plays a significant role in the pavilion’s design. This region is notable for its sandy subsoil, which has formed over centuries due to glacial and fluvial processes. The sand is not just a structural component but is integral to the design, embodying a connection to place. During the pouring of the pavilion walls, sand and stones from the garden were added to create horizontal striations, evoking the stratified layers seen in the area’s natural terrain. These bands highlight the weight and solidity of the structure, providing a visual narrative of the land’s geological history. In contrast, the pavilion’s floor features a polished finish that reveals embedded stones, showcasing a spectrum of colors and textures found in the garden’s soil. The roof was poured in seamless formwork, creating a smooth, reflective ceiling that brings the lush greenery of the garden into the pavilion’s interior.
The process of creating this pavilion, blending thoughtful design with meticulous craftsmanship, is documented in the film At a Garden’s Pace by Juan Benavides, which premiered at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR). The film offers an immersive look into the pavilion’s construction, where Enzo Valerio and a team of young architects, employed simple yet inventive techniques to explore and emphasize the “nature of concrete.” Under the attentive eyes of the gardener and garden visitors, their dedication illustrates that construction is as much a creative and integral part of the design process as any other stage. This meditative documentary highlights how exceptional design, coupled with skilled craftsmanship, can transform even a modest commission into a living work of art. Read more about the film over here.
Type: Pavilion
Office: Enzo Valerio
Structural engineering: Breed Id
Location: Pinetum Blijdenstein, Hilversum
Team: Enzo Valerio, Ties van Benten, Lauren Boots, Michelle de Cort, Lute Elting, Rogier Franssen, Tymon Hogenelst, Myrto Klimi, Jasper Maiwald, Sebastian Oswald, Adonis Pingas, Tim Schaap, Rebekka Schaecher, Sam Stalker, Dzastins Zavadskis, Simon Zemp.
Photography: Ruben Dario Kleimeer, Riccardo de Vecchi
Built: 2023
Published: November 2024
Category: Architecture
Office: Enzo Valerio
Structural engineering: Breed Id
Location: Pinetum Blijdenstein, Hilversum
Team: Enzo Valerio, Ties van Benten, Lauren Boots, Michelle de Cort, Lute Elting, Rogier Franssen, Tymon Hogenelst, Myrto Klimi, Jasper Maiwald, Sebastian Oswald, Adonis Pingas, Tim Schaap, Rebekka Schaecher, Sam Stalker, Dzastins Zavadskis, Simon Zemp.
Photography: Ruben Dario Kleimeer, Riccardo de Vecchi
Built: 2023
Published: November 2024
Category: Architecture