Furnishing new, beautiful and sustainable Zuiderzoet reflects location

With the completely renovated Zuiderzoet in Zeewolde, Center Parcs once again manages its own restaurant in the Netherlands for the first time in 13 years. The holiday giant turned to Creneau International for the interior design, catering concept, construction and branding. Rik Goedkoop, general manager at Center Parcs De Eemhof in Zeewolde, says: 'I am happy that this special place - a piece of reclaimed polder land in Flevoland - is so beautifully reflected in the sustainable interior.' He also praises the cooperation with Creneau, which went smoothly 'because Creneau also runs restaurants itself.'

When restaurant Zuiderzoet became vacant a year ago because its owner retired, Goedkoop smelled his chance. 'The marina, the beach club and the restaurant are located next to our park, which spreads over the adjoining forest. We were already taking care of the rental of the flats in the marina and when the previous restaurant owner quit, I thought why not? We have a lot of people here every week on the park who like good food and besides, the old Zuiderzoet had a good name and reputation in the area, including as a wedding venue. When I presented my plan within Center Parcs Netherlands, which has been outsourcing its catering for years, I received a lot of positive reactions and even more support. Old hands in the business assisted in the conceptualisation. Our whole company came together. For instance, our Belgian colleagues helped compiling the menu. It is now of high quality, regional as much as possible and, if possible, organic'.

For the layout, Goedkoop and colleagues developed a framework concept. 'On that, Creneau came up with the theme Dance between Water and Land with which the design reflects the location - reclaimed land - and this is reflected in everything. In the colour scheme, materials, textures and shapes. For instance, water and earth are presented in different ways. Take the ground layers in the bar and kitchen, as if they too were reclaimed land, or the ripples in the wood finish, the ripple effect on walls and in the lighting, the curtain in the shape of a sail and the undulating movement of the tables. Many of these things Creneau not only designed but also made themselves in their own studio.'

Furthermore, Creneau insisted on a sustainable design, which Center Parcs immediately enthused about. Goedkoop: 'That resulted, for example, in almost 80 per cent of the old furniture such as tables and chairs being reused or purchased from other restaurants that were closing. Everything re-sandblasted and stained. Like new. The old bar has also been given a new casing. The sustainable character is also reflected in the choice of materials, such as a climate-positive floor with recycled plastic, sustainable sheet material and LED lighting, of course.

Furthermore, Creneau thought strategically. Goedkoop: 'The customer journey, for example. How do people arrive, which routes do they walk, what do they see, which view is the best? Our employees and their walking movements also received attention. That is why, for example, the bar has been moved closer to the terrace. Furthermore, Creneau's hospitality specialists gave advice on corporate clothing, tableware and whatnot. Zuiderzoet now even has a small shop where you can buy local products.'

Whether other Center Parcs in the Netherlands will now also want to start their own top restaurant? Goedkoop: 'We obviously hope that with Zuiderzoet we inspire not only visitors but also our colleagues, but whether there will be more restaurants like this, I really don't know.'

Creneau International
Creneau International designs and conceives concepts and ideas that reflect the character & thought leadership of a company or organisation, usually in interior design and branding. Be it a restaurant, shop or large office, Creneau's translation is often atypical, but proven and supported by the company's years of experience in operating its own restaurants such as Cho Gao, Maison Mathis and the Belgian Beer Café. Besides Center Parcs, Creneau works for clients such as the Carlton Group, ING, Ahold, the MECC and Schiphol Airport, employs more than 50 people and has offices in Hasselt, Eindhoven and Dubai. For much more info see www.creneau.com.