Netherlands 25: Visiting the Tij Observatory

With some time to spare on our journey back from the Netherlands, we decided to take a detour through Zeeland. This south eastern area in the Netherlands is famous for its islands and peninsulas. These features gives the province its name, Zeeland meaning Sealand.

While driving through, we were looking for somewhere to stop to eat our packed lunch. With its location next to the Haringvlietdam, the village of Stellendam looked like a good place to stop.

After lunch, we set out for a wander round the Scheelhoek nature reserve. We then stumbled across the Tij Observatory (Vogelobservatorium ‘Tij’ Haringvliet). It was a very pleasant surprise.

The egg-shaped Tij Observatory was designed by RAU Architects and Ro&Ad Architects. It is designed for birdwatchers looking onto the Scheelhoek Nature Reserve and the Sandwich terns that nest there.

The Tij Observatory, which translates as Tide, takes the form of a tern’s egg. It is thatched with reeds from the local nature reserve. Funded by the Dutch lottery, it was built to celebrate the opening of sluices at Haringvlietdam.

Part of the North Sea Delta Works, the sluices have separated the Rhine and Meuse rivers from the North Sea. In 2018, the river management strategy was changed. The sluices now open regularly, connecting the rivers to the sea once again.

With the parts of the building constructed in a factory, then assembled on site. The observatory is designed so it can be dismantled and relocated, if required. Meeting a key requirement of being a fully sustainable structure.

The approach to the observatory is through a tunnel covered with sand and nesting holes for sand martins. This is to minimise disturbance to the birds. You enter the observatory at the ground level, then take the stairs up to the main observation area.

Around the observatory, there’s various openings giving you views out to observe. There’s also a large opening in the roof, which lights up the space. It’s designed to be completely exposed, with the internal wooden frame visible to see on the inside.

Views of the interior of the observatory are almost as great as looking out through one of the lookout points. It really is a stunning structure and a great space to be in.

We stayed there for a while looking out to the nature reserve and enjoying views of the Haringvlietdam. While there’s some traffic noise, it’s a pretty serene spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Looking out to the east, to the nature reserves

I’m probably the least knowledgeable person when it comes to birdwatching. So I can’t really comment on that side of things. But we really enjoyed our little diversion on the way home.

Sadly, it was time to leave the Tij Observatory. We had a drive back through Belgium and France to do, to get the Eurotunnel back to the UK.

Read more about the fantastic Tij Observatory on ArchDaily and Dezeen.