It was being an asthmatic myself and being fascinated by mountain landscapes that brought me to do this project. A percentage of the million Dutch asthma patients are so ill that it is impossible for them to function normally in society. They may therefore be advised to visit Davos, as the climate there has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

In my plan, it is the patient who takes centre stage. I have searched for extremes so as to be able to enhance patients' awareness in their dealings with their environment. The new building is not just geared to creating conditions for therapy, the building is the therapy. Its location is very important in that respect. This should allow the building to function freely. Conversely, the surroundings should be able to play an active part within the building. To achieve this dual aim, I have partly slotted the building into the mountain and let the environment penetrate below, above and inside it. The architecture becomes part of the surroundings and vice versa. The greatest contrast is between the worlds above and below ground. This division can be felt and seen everywhere in the project. Beneath the ground is a cave-like space with passages, reverberating sounds and mystical light. Here the inert rock has been kneaded in every possible way into a living space. Above the ground stands a timber structure that absorbs the context like a sponge and releases it again. From the word go, the living nature has a firm hold on this part of the building and its patients. This balancing above and below the dividing line brings about changes and movements in the building. The contrasts of high-low, hard-soft, dark-light, hot-cold and open-closed occur naturally and stimulate the patient in his or her therapy.

I have tried to make the architecture in such a way that it can be experienced by the patient's entire body. All materials and constructions are so designed that they stimulate, challenge and motivate the patient to continue therapy. I have also tried to get the building to articulate the positive attitude that the patient should acquire. It needs to express the joy of breathing.

Place of education: AvB Arnhem
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Erik Wamelink, Wim Korvinus & Annemariken Hilberink