ZIEGLER | BRANDERHORST STEDENBOUW EN ARCHITECTUUR x VISTA LANDSCHAPSARCHITECTUUR EN STEDENBOUW x PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES x FRITS PALMBOOM STEDENBOUWKUNDIGE x BOSKALIS x NATUURMONUMENTEN

Marker Wadden

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The project

The Marker Wadden is a new and robust nature reserve that has been innovatively developed with nature and for nature. It is an archipelago of five islands, constructed using sand, clay and silt from the Markermeer (Marker Lake), that is protected by two rows of dunes. The islands consist primarily of marshlands and shallow waters and are perfectly suited as habitats for birds; one of the main goals was the recovery of the ecology and biodiversity in the Markermeer. Only the largest island is open to the public. It is home to a port, beaches, walking paths and promenades, a viewing tower, several bird hides and an off-grid settlement of timber buildings that blends in with the natural surroundings.

Expert panel

Marker Wadden creates a new kind of experience with nature in the leading role; an urgent and exemplary project. An impressive, non-human oriented approach, that largely leaves nature to shape the landscape. Brought to life in an attractive way, without disturbing the natural processes on the island. Taking a walk on the Marker Wadden is an almost museum-like experience, depicting what happens when you put nature first and how quickly ecology can regenerate if you facilitate it. Various assignments are brought together beautifully here. Both the integration, nature-inclusive vision and the teamwork of the numerous involved parties deserve to be imitated.

— ‘Marker Wadden is an urgent and exemplary project; an impressive, non-human oriented approach that largely leaves nature to shape the landscape.’

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