The Cocondo is nestled between trees, dunes and dense bushes. Behind this name lies a former bunker from the Second World War, which now shines in a new light. The bunker was built in 1943, abandoned in 1945 and redesigned by Dutch designers in 2020. Their goal: to create a place of harmony that respects the historical past while also offering space for modern use.
The bunker is the pilot project of Cocondo, a non-profit organisation that breathes new life into old bunkers on the Dutch coast. The idea behind this is to preserve the cultural heritage of these buildings while protecting the surrounding nature. The Zuid-Hollands Landschap Foundation, which manages the Vineta nature reserve, supports the initiative and makes the historic buildings available.
For the first conversion, the choice fell on a bunker in Hoek van Holland, a region that was severely scarred by the war. Many of the bunkers there are silent witnesses to a time when locals were often forced to live in such buildings after the war. The project takes up this history and combines it with a modern, ecological approach.
The interior design of the modernized bunker was created by Remko Verhaagen and Studio Tomorrow. Natural materials, circular elements and bright design make the compact space appear surprisingly spacious. "The sunken terrace," as it is called, shows how a relic of war can become a place of peace - a model project for the connection between past and future.
Characteristics
- Holiday in a historical monument, a completely remodeled former bunker from the Second World War
- Located in the Dutch dunes near The Hague
- Just a few steps from the beach and sea
- Bright, modern design meets history
- Use of many natural and circular materials, taking into account the existing structure of the bunker and the surrounding nature
- All profits from the rental are invested in the conservation and development of nature and cultural heritage
- Around the bunker there are numerous opportunities to enjoy nature and local culture: surf schools, sustainable restaurants, cozy cafes and much more
Sustainable
The bunker remained untouched for over 80 years, marked by decay, vandalism and oblivion. During the redesign, only necessary restorations were carried out to visibly preserve the history. Sustainability was the focus. The building materials and furnishings are either circular, ecological or natural. Local oak, which began to grow after the war and fell victim to a storm, was used for the woodwork. The terrazzo floor and the kitchen were created from concrete fragments from a nearby bunker that was partially demolished. These materials tell the past of the place and combine it with a modern, sustainable design.
The team consists of two employees who are firmly rooted in the region. To redesign the pilot project, the initiative went one step further: former prisoners helped to clean the bunker and prepare it for its new purpose.
The pilot bunker is powered by clean energy, waste is consistently separated, and only ecological means are used for cleaning. As a non-profit organization, Cocondo uses all profits directly to maintain cultural heritage and protect the surrounding nature.
Features
- Holiday home with space for up to 4 people (2 adults, 2 children)
- One bedroom, one bathroom
- living room with additional sleeping space
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Terrace with dining table
- Bicycles from the local bike rental (also delivered to the accommodation)