The rock in the surf: Pantagruel

Oostduinkerke, Belgium

At home

Modern coastal house set among sand dunes, with vertical timber cladding, glass balconies, and a white round pantagruel picnic table on a sea-facing terrace under a clear blue sky.

On the Belgian coast you will find a great example of modern architecture from the drawing board of the Govaert-Vanhoute architectural firm, built by Rietveld Projects. Both the implantation between the marram grass and the magnificent surroundings make this residence unique. The rugged nature of the dunes, the wild waves of the North Sea. Here, man seems to have no control....

The beautiful terrace at this residence was naturally designed with the aim of endlessly enjoying this picturesque setting. That is why the owners chose a Pantagruel picnic table. With a gentle breeze, a pleasantly warm sun, and waves in the background, Pantagruel is the ideal piece of furniture to gather friends and family around, and enjoy hours of pleasant dining. 

Close view of a white round outdoor pantagruel picnic table with curved bench seats on a wooden terrace, overlooking dune vegetation, a sandy path to the beach, and the sea beyond.
Front view of a modern multi-level beach house with wide glass façades and terraces, with a white round pantagruel picnic table visible on the middle balcony above the dunes.

That the same nature can also appear more extreme at times is also a certainty here on the coast. Wind gusts that leave you sandblasted, lapping waves and the vapor of salt seawater that makes stainless steel rust faster than inland. This is another reason why the owners chose a Pantagruel picnic table. Because outdoor furniture must be especially solid when it's not actually weather to use it.... 

And those are few given. To brave the elements in this environment for years, and even generations, you have to be of good stock. And be as robust as the home itself! Pantagruel is with some pride the rock in the surf.

Side view of the timber-clad house with glass balconies above the dunes, with a white pantagruel round picnic table on the terrace and the North Sea stretching out behind it.

© Pictures by Cafeïne
Architects: Govaert & Vanhoutte

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