BRIDGE HOUSE

The bridge keeper’s office is situated on the “Stationsbrug” bridge; a revolving bridge in the town of Middelburg. The diamond shaped structure has been placed on poles in the Walcheren canal. The three facades overlook the “Stationsbrug” bridge, the water and “Blauwedijk” embankment. The oblique cuts above the water reach to the base of the two floor levels. The closed spaces (the electro-technical installation and toilet facilities) have been situated half a floor below, in order to optimise the bridge keeper’s view. A transparent and reflective membrane has been stretched around the technical installation, as though it were a luminescent “skin”. At night, it reveals the contents of the building, whilst during the day; it reflects its immediate surroundings. The bridge keeper will be using the facility only 6 times a year; for approximately 350 days a year, it will function instead as a connecting link, floating on the water like a still life.