Completed in 2021, The Beacon is a 200-square-meter hospitality building located on the rural Unbound estate on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Designed by Studio Appelo, the project is a modern interpretation of a traditional rural building, created to serve as a versatile gathering space for guests. The design is notable for its combination of traditional techniques, such as the use of trusses, with modern, prefabricated elements, including the walls and roof. This approach results in an aesthetic of authentic craftsmanship while significantly reducing construction time, costs, and environmental impact. The exterior is constructed from local, clay-based raw Oberon bricks and unfinished, native spruce, which helps the building integrate organically with its natural environment. The interior and exterior are connected by two large, barn door-style shutters that can completely open or close the huge windows. When fully open, the shutters align perfectly with the walls, blurring the line between inside and out. This connection is enhanced by the use of brick flooring that extends from the masonry steps outside into the interior. Inside, a fireplace acts as a central focal point, creating a powerful backdrop for the variety of activities the space can host. The structure was designed to be easily imagined as a stage for performances or other events. Credits Architects: Studio Appelo Lead Architect: Renée Appelo Landscape Architect: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners Photographers: Lars Goossens, Peter Mann Contractor: Prefabline Manufacturers: Fairwooth, Van den Moortel