Planet Texel

IABR 2014, Urban By Nature

How can the island of Texel can develop towards a more self-sustaining future concerning water, energy, agriculture and tourism? The IABR project-atelier Planet Texel focuses on that question: how the different ambitions of the Island Texel can be integrated spatially in an integral way.

How can Texel combine a growing business of tourism, aspirations to be energy neutral and self-sufficient, while conserving its eminent nature and maintain the high quality of life of its residents?

Client: IABR and municipality of Texel
Date: August 2014
Project details: International Architectural Biennial Rotterdam
Lead design: LA4SALE and FARO

Future Proof

How can Texel be even more independent from the main land and foresee in its own needs and wishes? This study proposes a series of activities that are all emphasising the natural dynamics of this prestine location.

The aim of the research project is not only to show an inspiring vision on Texel of the future, but also to propose a couple of specific pilot projects, that Texel can turn into practice right away.

The study shows locations where and how this can be achieved. This regards towns, recreational facilities, nature, agricultural land, a dike a salty marsh and an energy plan.

Revitalizing the water system

At the edge of the dunes and the polder clean seepage water is collected. At this moment petrified bungalow parks occupy this zone. The water has nowhere to go.

By taking our pavement and making room for water streams and ponds Texel can benefit again from its own sweet water supply. This strategy can be turned into practice by each individual landowner.

Seasonal recreation

This is an example how one of the recreational terrains can become part of its natural surroundings, change with the seasons, and how self-sustainable designs can be implemented in the beautiful surroundings to spend the night at Texel.

More nature = more recreation

As a financial impuls for the landowners to ‘naturalise’ their bungalow parks they can seasonally extent their facilities.

In summer 120% of the capacity is available, by placing mobile homes in nature. In winter time, the facilities are stored and nature can restore itself.