Duinkarkas
Landscape architects Jorrit Noordhuizen (NOHNIK architecture and landscapes) and Inge Kersten (Scope/HNS) have realized the project ‘Duinkarkas’ (Dune Carcass) on the island of Vlieland. This 50 meters long sculpture has been made completely of wood and it enables the builders to test how shifting sands can be deposited effectively
In recent decades there has been an increase of recreation and (temporary) construction on the coast. Beach cabins and sleeping houses along the beach can be affected by accumulations of shifting sand or by undermining of the cottages. At the same time, natural dune growth has to guarantee the safety of the hinterland. This has created the need to provide more insight into this natural coastal dynamic and the effect of shifting sands because otherwise people might oppose the initiative.
The primary goal of the Duinkarkas experiment is to overcome the ‘sand shifting sands-nuisances’ and at the same time show that in the course of time the sand forms the basis for new dunes. In the setup on Vlieland, the sand collection capacity of the Duinkarkas is tested. The experiment is continuously monitored to examine the effectiveness of the structure and to develop it further.
The location, on the edge of protected natural area Vliehors, has been carefully selected. The strong natural dynamics, the relatively wide beach and the low human activity make this the perfect location. The Duinkarkas will in any case remain in situ until October 2016.