De Drijvende Dijk

Commissioned by sand extraction company K3Delta, Mothership developed an innovative landscape concept: De Drijvende Dijk (The Floating Dyke). In the Betuwe region near Echteld, where K3Delta operates, a new residential, recreational, and energy-producing island is emerging — a pioneering example of sustainable area development that merges technology, nature, and human experience.

At the heart of the design lies a gently curving floating dyke that connects the shores of the Lingemeren. On one side, it shelters a series of floating “polders” planted with grass, fruit trees, and flowers. These green, movable islands are accessible to walkers and cyclists, creating a vibrant and living space on the water. On the other side, a five-hectare field of undulating solar panels generates renewable energy while serving as a bold visual statement.

The design makes the act of ‘floating’ physically tangible: visitors can directly feel the subtle movement of the water beneath them. In doing so, it creates not only a spatial connection but also a sensory one. The dyke is partially navigable, allowing recreational boat traffic to pass freely through the lake.

Construction will make use of recycled and locally sourced materials, along with sustainable techniques such as helophyte filters and floating ecosystems by Biomatrix Water. The result is a self-sustaining, climate-resilient landscape that invites recreation, reflection, and education.

De Drijvende Dijk is an ode to Dutch hydraulic engineering — a place where the centuries-old dialogue with water is reimagined in service of a sustainable future.