Transformation Transferium Den Oever by WRK Architecten

The Transferium in Den Oever is located at the foot of the Afsluitdijk, serving as a vital hub in the regional public transport network. Before its redevelopment, the facility was outdated, lacked modern amenities, and failed to integrate with the surrounding landscape. Accessibility for disabled users was inadequate, and the space lacked identity, safety, and comfort. Additionally, the site suffered from underuse, unclear routing, and an overall perception of neglect.

The redevelopment was initiated to address these deficiencies and transform the Transferium into an inviting, functional, and ecologically responsible gateway to the Waddenzee region. The core objectives were to improve accessibility, traveller comfort, and spatial quality, while enhancing the site’s ecological value. Key upgrades included a self-cleaning toilet unit, tactile route guidance for the visually impaired, plus redesigned paths and crossings to ensure barrier-free access. New seating areas and a covered multifunctional waiting area make the site suitable for both brief stops and longer waits, improving the user experience for commuters, tourists, and locals alike.

The project was funded partially by the Province of North Holland and realized through an integrated collaboration between the municipality of Hollands Kroon, landscape architects from KJK and WRK Architects, contractor K. Dekker, and Vos Tuin & Landschap. Together, they translated a shared vision into a coherent spatial design. The design is rooted in sustainability, regional identity, and ecological sensitivity. A prominent feature is the use of reused materials—such as old paving stones repurposed as ‘tûûnwallen’, traditional Wieringer boundary walls—preserving cultural heritage and reducing material waste. New mooring posts were installed to hold travel information, referencing the region’s maritime character.

Ecological interventions further elevate the site’s role beyond a simple transit point. Indigenous plant species were selected to mirror the vegetation of the Wadden region, ensuring ecological continuity. Biodiversity was boosted through pollinator-friendly planting, the installation of an insect hotel, and maintenance choices that prioritize ecological health. These elements not only support local flora and fauna but also offer educational and aesthetic value to visitors.

The landscape design encourages users to pause, interact, and engage with their surroundings. Softscape elements and carefully placed benches create zones of rest and reflection. Trees and shrubs provide shade and comfort, while new sightlines improve visibility and safety. The upgraded lighting system, using energy-efficient LED technology, ensures security without light pollution, in line with the ecological goals of the site.

The functional layout of the transferium integrates various modes of transportation. It offers seamless connections between buses, cars, and bicycles, with ample parking and intuitive wayfinding. A new bus sluice has optimized traffic flow and improved safety for all users. This multimodal integration supports regional connectivity and reflects a broader ambition to promote sustainable mobility options.
The transformation of an outdated building into a multifunctional waiting facility further demonstrates the project’s adaptive reuse ethos. This structure now offers shelter, information, and comfort, creating a central anchor point within the site. The inclusion of digital travel info displays and clear signage enhances user navigation and reduces uncertainty, particularly for first-time visitors.

As part of the broader ‘Waddenpoort Den Oever’ initiative, the project aligns with long-term goals to improve regional livability and tourism potential. By serving as a symbolic and physical threshold to the Wadden Sea World Heritage area, the Transferium introduces travellers to the region’s unique landscape, history, and biodiversity. In doing so, it contributes to regional storytelling and strengthens a sense of place.

Despite a modest total budget of €595,000, including €180,000 in subsidies from the Province of North Holland, the project displays the power of strategic design, stakeholder collaboration, and material reuse. The result is not only a functional mobility hub but also a public space that fosters pride and belonging. The Transferium Den Oever stands as a compelling example of how small-scale infrastructure can have a large-scale impact—serving practical needs while embodying ecological and cultural values.

The success of the project lies in its multidimensional approach: addressing mobility, sustainability, inclusivity, and regional identity as a cohesive whole. It exemplifies how design can elevate infrastructure beyond utility, creating places that resonate with users and the environment alike. Through thoughtful interventions and shared commitment, the Transferium has been reimagined as a welcoming, resilient, and forward-looking space in the Dutch landscape.

This project deserves recognition because it demonstrates that even modest infrastructure projects can deliver extraordinary results when approached with vision, collaboration, and a deep respect for place. The Transferium is not just a functional node in the mobility network—it is a symbol of inclusive and sustainable transformation. It contributes meaningfully to the experience of the Wadden Sea region and exemplifies how landscape architecture can address ecological, cultural, and social dimensions simultaneously. Awarding this project would celebrate a design that is both context-sensitive and forward-thinking, offering a replicable model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of the landscape:
WRK architects & KJK architects

Architects involved in the design:
WRK architects & KJK architects

Other credits:
Client: Gemeente Hollands Kroon
Contractor: K. Dekker bouw & infra

Photo and copyright Leonard Fäustle

Project typology: Mobility hub, Transferium, Infrastructure, Landscape, Public space, Island, Identity, Crossover, Nature inclusive, Biodiversity

Location: Havenweg 1779, 1779 XT Den Oever, The Netherlands