Sustainable vacation park integrates nature and design on the coast of Zeeland

Functional and aesthetic cladding for recreational homes

In the nature and recreation area between Groede and Breskens on the coast of Zeeland, recreation company Molecaten is gradually building a new vacation park. Ultimately, 400 recreational homes will rise here. Swisspearl cladding plays a crucial role in this project, both because of its aesthetic added value and the specific requirements of the coastal environment. Harold van Coesant, façade manager at Swisspearl, talks about the approach and challenges of this unique project.

Swisspearl became involved in the project in 2022, consulting with MVSA Architects and chalet builder Allure Chalets & More. Van Coesant, Technical Sales Manager Swisspearl, explains, "Our team worked with the architect and builder to discuss in detail how we could technically achieve the desired façade appearance. With projects on the coast, it is essential to provide inspections and technical support to prevent any problems early on." 

Innovative design for a challenging coastal environment

Architect Ana Carmen Gutiérrez Narvarte of MVSA Architects adds: "The project originated from an initiative of the park manager and the province. The emphasis was on nature development, recreation and the historical value of the area, where there used to be a village. In the Quality Plan, we laid down a detailed vision for the appearance of the park so that it fits seamlessly with its surroundings and recreational function."

The dune ridge villas in Waterdunen Park are finished with Swisspearl Nobilis facade panels, specially developed in a green hue that harmonizes perfectly with the natural surroundings. This color was precisely matched in Swisspearl's color laboratory, a process that was extra challenging because of the panels' semi-transparent paint finish. "The panels are mounted on the façade at an angle," Van Coesant explains. "This creates a playful shadow effect inspired by the dunes and reptiles in the area." Instead of traditional wooden slats, special A4 alloy stainless steel clips, which can withstand the salty sea climate, were chosen to achieve this effect. This technique not only provided additional durability but also a modern look that blends well with the natural environment.

The vacation park is divided into zones, each with a unique appearance. The northern part has a village character, with courtyards and houses that stand out for their dark, almost black facades. 

Nature tones dominate on the southern islands, including dune ridge villas with flat roofs facing the coast. "We developed different modules," Gutiérrez Narvarte says. "A total of 10 modules were designed for five housing types, suitable for four, six, eight or 10 people. This approach promotes a modular and circular design."

Sustainability and safety as key values

The demand for durable and safe building materials in the recreation industry is increasing, especially for wood structures where fire safety is paramount. Van Coesant explains: "Our fiber cement boards are non-combustible, rot-resistant and virtually maintenance-free. These properties make them ideally suited for sustainable wood construction." End-use means complete construction, so our panels are not end-use. example: Our construction with Our Swisspearl A2 siding panels is end-use fire class B.

Recreational homes must comply with the building code since Jan. 1, 2024, but Swisspearl facade panels already more than met these requirements. Gutiérrez Narvarte emphasizes, "That makes Swisspearl a logical partner. Their panels are not only fireproof, but also resistant to UV rays and salt, which is indispensable in a coastal environment. Moreover, they think with us and support us in working out complex technical details."