Treelounge Leisure Park Flandrien

A temporary accommodation in the form of a forest hut typology was developed as part of a master plan study for a leisure park with 119 holiday homes near the Donkmeer lake in Oudenaarde.

The Flemish Ardennes hold a unique appeal thanks to their traditional landscape of wooded hills, river and stream valleys, beautiful panoramas, and diverse micro-elements. In the region where the Tour of Flanders makes its “Flandriens” famous, cycling enthusiasts love to relax on home soil. The site is ideally situated to capitalize on this cycling culture and regional tourism and has the potential to contribute to it.
The master plan offers a wide range of temporary accommodation types, attracting a more diverse clientele. Accommodation options vary by size, amenities, appearance, and price point.

The various temporary accommodation types are clustered in zones where visitors with similar needs can enjoy their stay in harmony. The clustering is defined by a gradient in corresponding ambiance per zone, thus minimizing potential tensions. This creates a diverse use of the area, resulting in a higher quality of experience for visitors. To preserve the cultural landscape character of the area, the new temporary entities to be built will be fully integrated into the landscape. Integration with the landscape is crucial for the quality of the experience. Three accommodation types have been defined: fishermen’s cottages, tree lounges, and a hotel with support services and commercial functions.

We are focusing specifically on the tree lounges. These entities are inspired by tree houses and aim to provide the smoothest possible transition between the ground level and the tree structures. They are located at three different heights that follow the profile of a natural forest structure.
– At the edge of the forest, the lounges are designed at ground level;
– Deeper in the forest they are provided at the height of the treetops with sufficient view of the surroundings at a height of 3m;
– Closer to the centre of the forest, the accommodations are located at a height of 6 meters, offering a 360° view of the surroundings through the treetops.
The tree lounges are designed with a diameter of eight meters across two floors and a belvedere terrace.