topshuis

The Topshuis is known as the operating house for the world-famous Oosterscheldekering (Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier) This service building stands on the artificial island Neeltje Jans in the middle of the storm surge barrier. A low-rise portion ranges stores, offices, diesel generators and workshops round an inner court with parking facilities. Visitors to the exhibition illustrating the construction of the dam are led through a glazed entrance with a bridge across the inner court to a central staircase. From there a double stair spirals up to a restaurant and the exhibition gallery both housed in an enclosed volume hovering above the inner court.

Photography: Ben Biondina, Bart van der Putten