Het Bushok | Borren Staalenhoef Architecten

After some contemplation passers by thought that this small building was a busstop under construction. At the same time mentioning that there are no buslines here! 

"The Busstop” is used as a workshop and gallery for creating and exhibiting the ceramic works of Claartje Borren. 

In the centre of the lake district between Loosdrecht and Kortenhoef a dingy snack bar has been replaced by a studio and gallery. The Cor-Ten steel building is placed on a concrete basement. Both parts were fully prefabricated, transported with a low loader truck and then assembled on site. The south façade features a large perforated section door or hatch (length 7.5 meters) which can be opened and parked on the roof. Except that the panel shows when the gallery is opened or closed, it can be used as a sunscreen. When is closed the hatch also acts as a light filter or privacy screen to enable quiet working. The perforations provide a nice filtered light. The pattern refers to the reeds along the surrounding lakes. 

The Cor-Ten steel is both striking and understated in this beautiful landscape. 

Through the generous stairwell sufficient daylight reaches the workspace in the basement. The basement has enough space for the ovens, a small storage, a bathroom and also a large working table. The ground floor is well lit and remains as “empty” exhibition space. The full length of the rear façade is a customized cabinet that functions as a display and working desk. In good weather both sliding doors are open and the exhibition area links directly to the terrace. The Busstop also functions in weekends as a small café.