LOLA

LOLA and Piet Oudolf joined forces for the development of a landscape design for the lost history of the Etzenrade Castle. The Etzenraderhuuske, an old farmhouse is emblematic for the location. It is likely that the old farmhouse is constructed from materials of the Etzenrade Castle which was demolished or destroyed in the 18th Century. The castle was located in a marshy area south from the Rode Beek (Red brook) and was surrounded by canals.

In the landscape design, history is accurately brought up and presented to the visitor. Little is left of the old castle, but the canals can easily be reconstructed by means of soil research. The canals will be excavated and used as a natural water buffer.

Archaeological research is essential in this project. Excavation trenches are used as a central museum park elements: the trenches are planted and guided with footpaths. Replicas of a selection of artifacts are displayed at the exact location they were found, like sculptures amidst the planting of Piet Oudolf.

The project is part of a bigger plan for the surroundings in which the Rode Beek is upgraded for ecological and recreational purposes, to create more water storage, to contribute to nature development and to improve the accessibility of the area.

Castle Etzenrade is one of the important key projects of the IBA Parkstad. The construction was completed in 2020 and the garden is officially opened in September 2021.