Commissioned by sand extraction company K3Delta, Mothership developed a new landscape concept: De Drijvende Dijk (The Floating Dike). In the Betuwe region near Echteld, where K3Delta extracts sand, the idea takes shape of a living, recreation, and energy island on the water, an example of area development where engineering, nature, and experience come together.

At the heart of the plan is a long, gently curved floating dike that connects the shores of the Lingemeren. On the sheltered side, floating “polders” appear with grass, fruit trees, and flowers. Visitors can walk and cycle there, experiencing a green landscape that subtly moves with the water. On the other side, a five-hectare undulating solar field generates energy while also creating a strong visual presence on the lake.

Here, “floating” isn’t an abstract concept, it’s something you feel. The water’s gentle motion becomes part of the experience as you move across the dike. So it creates not only a physical connection in the landscape, but also a sensory one. The dike is also designed to be partially navigable, so recreational boats can still pass through the lake.

Construction uses recycled and local materials, along with sustainable techniques such as reed-bed filtration and floating ecosystems by Biomatrix Water. The aim is a landscape that is largely self-sustaining, resilient, and inviting, a place to spend time, learn, and slow down.

De Drijvende Dijk is an ode to Dutch water engineering. It’s a place where our centuries-old relationship with water is reimagined, this time in service of a sustainable future.