Zinc-clad chapel by René van Zuuk to be built over Almere's city lake
News: the city of Almere in the Netherlands has selected a small curvy chapel designed by architect René van Zuuk to be constructed over the surface of the Weerwater lake.
![The Weerwater Chapel by Rene van Zuuk Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/The-Weerwater-Chapel-by-Rene-van-Zuuk-Architekten_dezeen_sq.jpg)
The Weerwater Chapel was one of five winners in a competition to develop architectural interventions in and around the lake, which forms the heart of the 36-year-old Dutch city on the outskirts of Amsterdam.
René van Zuuk, who lives in Almere in a house he designed, proposed a curved wooden chapel that sits above the water's surface and is accessed via an extension to a jetty that already extends out from the shoreline.
![The Weerwater Chapel by Rene van Zuuk Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/The-Weerwater-Chapel-by-Rene-van-Zuuk-Architekten_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
According to Van Zuuk, the chapel could host religious activities for a variety of different cultures. "This is a function that is part of every full-grown city but not yet available in the centre of Almere," he explained
"It is a place close to the city hall for the people of Almere to be able to get married but also close to the hospital where people can mourn. It is a location for the Christmas nativity scene in December, and a quiet place for reflection and small services throughout the rest of the year," he said.
![The Weerwater Chapel by Rene van Zuuk Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/The-Weerwater-Chapel-by-Rene-van-Zuuk-Architekten_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The chapel will be constructed from foam, using profiles cut with a CNC machine. External surfaces will be covered with zinc, while the interior will be lined with plywood.
Van Zuuk and colleague Dirk de Groot developed the shape using a small CNC foam cutter of their own.
![The Weerwater Chapel by Rene van Zuuk Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/The-Weerwater-Chapel-by-Rene-van-Zuuk-Architekten_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
A petal-shaped window will form the front facade and a narrow strip of glazing will extend across the roof.
"It should be an eco-friendly sustainable architectural object that fits in the city centre and strong enough to be able to create its own position in the ensemble," added Van Zuuk.
![The Weerwater Chapel by Rene van Zuuk Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/10/The-Weerwater-Chapel-by-Rene-van-Zuuk-Architekten_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
The other competition winners that will be installed include gardens, lighting, an activity zone and a bridge.
Two years ago the city of Almere was selected to host the 2022 World Horticultural Expo, and Rotterdam studio MVRDV are currently working up plans to build a 45-hectare city centre extension over the Weerwater.