St. Gerlach Pavilion & Manor Farm

Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands

Architects: Mecanoo

Location: Joseph Corneli Allée 1, 6301KK Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands
Year: 2017
Client: Landgoed Corneli II BV
Programme: Conference and event facility with three multifunctional meeting rooms, lobby, kitchen, restoration of manor farm and landscape.
Photography: Mecanoo, Air-Vision Luchtfotografie

Château St. Gerlach is an estate near Maastricht, situated in the middle of the hilly Limburg countryside: a unique complex with a luxury hotel, restaurant and spa. Mecanoo architecten designed an elegant pavilion which balances the historic buildings on the site.

The pavilion completes the ensemble of the Château (1661), the St. Gerlachus Church (1727), the Farmstead (1759) and the Manor Farm (1668). The estate is now clearly visible from the public road, and has gained new significance for the village of Houthem.The transparent, state of the art pavilion features three large multifunctional meeting rooms under a cantilevered roof with a beautiful curve. From the pavilion, guests will have views over the château, the hills, the meadow and the manor farm. The materials used are inspired by the natural surroundings of Limburg: marlstone, bluestone and oak.

The manor farm, a national monument from 1668, has been renovated to house small meeting rooms as well as a restaurant to have lunch or coffee. This new public function serves the local community. An intimate 'village square' between the pavilion and the manor farm can be used as an outdoor extension of the foyer.