October 5, 2026 Awards
Beyond the waves: a hybrid coastal protection
Katwijk Coastal Defence · Katwijk, the Netherlands
Awards
International Park Institute (USA), award for architectural achievement, winner - 2017 | Mies van der Rohe Award, nomination - 2017 | Falco award best public space, winner - 2015 | Prof. Dr. Ir. J.F. Agemaprijs, finalist - 2015 | Rijnlandse Architectuur Prijs, winner - 2015 | Gouden Piramide, finalist - 2015Seaside resort
For the past decade, Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, has undertaken a transformative endeavour to fortify vulnerable sections of the Dutch coastline. The project goes beyond merely constructing coastal defences; it delves into invigorating Katwijk as a tourist destination while bolstering the local seaside economy. Throughout this initiative, preserving the town’s existing charm remained our main concern, ensuring that its identity is not only retained but also enhanced.
The relation between town and beach
In an interactive planning process, we defined the most essential values of Katwijk; namely the relationship between the village and the beach. The chosen dyke-in-dune coastal defences, a stone-lined embankment covered and reinforced by dunes, supported by sufficient low dunes, would be built with minimal disruption between town and beach. With this construction, the city of Katwijk could also realise an underground parking garage behind the dyke.
Natural dune landscape
The dyke and garage are completely hidden from view by natural-looking dunes. An extensive network of paths has been built to connect the village and beach, offering views of the sea. The highlight of the design is a broad dune transition that serves as a welcome space and event plaza, forming a vibrant heart for the Katwijk coast.
Natural succession
More than a decade after completion, natural succession is clearly shaping the Katwijk dune landscape. Designed to look and behave as a natural coastal system, the dunes were conceived as a framework within which ecological processes shaped by wind and sand could gradually take the lead. As vegetation matures and habitats diversify, the landscape continues to evolve, growing richer in character, biodiversity and ecological resilience with every passing season.
A thriving coastal ecosystem where diverse habitats support an increasing richness of birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
