© Rene Gerritsen
Jachtslot Sint Hubertus on the Hoge Veluwe was designed by H.P. Berlage between 1914 and 1920 for Anton and Helene Kröller-Müller. The complex is one of the most ambitious Gesamtkunstwerke in Berlage’s oeuvre.
Berlage designed not only the building, but also much of its interior, furniture and surrounding landscape. The entire complex is based on a carefully developed geometric system, with the central tower forming the organisational and visual heart of the composition.
The building consists of several wings extending from the central volume into the surrounding landscape. Its distinctive brick architecture is combined with natural stone, tiles and carefully designed geometric details. The interior continues this language through mosaics, furniture, colours and decorative elements.
The plan and architectural form contain references to the world of hunting and to the name of Saint Hubertus. At the same time, the building demonstrates Berlage’s rational approach to geometry, proportion and construction.
Sint Hubertus illustrates Berlage’s conviction that architecture should extend beyond the design of an isolated building. Architecture, interior, art, landscape and use are brought together into one carefully controlled environment.
Today the jachtslot forms part of the Hoge Veluwe National Park and is accessible through guided tours. It remains one of the Netherlands’ most important examples of an architectural Gesamtkunstwerk and a key work of Berlage’s later career.
© KLM Spaarnestad
