This really is a 'different' accommodation
Between the dunes of the beaches of Hook of Holland (Holland ), a step away from the sea, hide several bunkers that served as a refuge during the 2nd World War. Today, however, due to the increasing tourist pressure on the area, they are, like the ecosystem that hosts them, in danger.
To ensure their continuity and make their curious history known, Cocondo, a non-profit organization, is committed to converting them into accommodations . Each one will live unique remodel , according to its characteristics and those of the surrounding ecosystem, for which natural materials and materials from the circular economy treated by local designers and architects . In addition, the benefits obtained for each night that a guest spends in the accommodation will be invested in the preservation and development of the area's nature and heritage.
The idea sounds novel, right? However, it is not so: during the reconstruction era after World War II, these same bunkers they were already transformed by the ancient inhabitants of the city in spaces destined to live and work. It was the natural response of survivors to the lack of housing in the area, devastated after the war.
This was encouraged by the architecture of these buildings, which is far from what we usually associate with a bunker -and which is usually summed up in concrete walls and a lot of darkness-. Thus, those on the coast of Hook of Holland are made of brick , and they have high ceilings and windows They let in a lot of natural light. The reason for this design? During the war they served as houses, yes, but also as baths, canteens and even theaters!
Over time, however, the bunkers were abandoned and vandalized , while more and more holiday accommodation appeared on the beautiful dunes, which, according to Cocondo, threaten the stability of the natural area. To avoid this and prove that his idea of re-inhabiting these old buildings could work, last year the NGO I renovated a phone bunker and turned it into a little house summer for four members. Their idea was successful, and for this reason they have continued to rehabilitate several of these spaces, which They will be open to the public starting this August.