Duinhotel Tien Torens
Zoutelande, Netherlands
On the coast of Zoutelande in Zeeland, the Netherlands, Duinhotel Tien Torens is a hotel designed to become part of the landscape around it. Instead of standing above the dunes, much of the building is covered with dune grass, giving it the appearance of a natural hill rising from the coast.
The current hotel was completed at the end of 2017 and began welcoming guests in 2018. Its unusual design was created by Lokerse Architecten, with the idea of bringing architecture and nature as close together as possible. The shape of the building follows the surrounding dunes, while large openings, private terraces and wide windows give guests views towards the sea and the landscape of Walcheren.
Privacy is also an important part of the experience. The terraces are built into the structure of the hotel, creating sheltered outdoor spaces where guests can enjoy the coast while staying protected from the wind and changing weather. Inside, the style is simple and modern, with clean lines that fit naturally with the calm setting outside.
The location is a large part of what makes Tien Torens special. Zoutelande sits directly on the North Sea coast, and the hotel is built into one of its highest dunes. From different parts of the property, guests can look across the sea, the beach and the countryside of Zeeland. Even the name Tien Torens, meaning “Ten Towers,” comes from the church towers that can be seen across the surrounding villages.
Outdoor furniture naturally plays an important role in a hotel where private terraces and views are such a central part of the stay. Vondom became part of the project in 2021, with pieces from its Frame and Sabinas collections used in the outdoor areas. The furniture adds comfortable places to sit and relax while keeping the focus on the dunes, sea and architecture around it.
What makes Duinhotel Tien Torens different is that the building does not try to dominate its surroundings. From the grass-covered exterior to the sheltered terraces, the hotel has been designed around the landscape rather than placed on top of it. It is a simple but strong example of how contemporary hotel design can work with nature and make the setting itself part of the guest experience.
