The competition for the former pump house of the coal mines of Houthalen-Helchteren called for a new visitor centre to be built on an important cycle route in the middle of a forest, next to a semi-artificial lake. The former function of the pump house was to pump water to the coal mines for washing the coal, a few kilometres from the site. After the mines closed, the structure was abandoned, forgotten in the middle of a forest next to an industrial area. Over time, the natural aspect of the site became a value in itself; a place for wildlife and waterscapes to find their own place. Our proposal envisioned a water treatment facility that would pump water from the semi-artificial lake up the structure and allow it to flow down in a controlled manner, creating water spaces. The experience of these spaces felt similar to the former descent into the coal mines by elevator, creating a dynamic link to its history while having a contemporary function; water filtration. The wildlife spaces were left untouched, allowing the building to retain its status as a ruin, but reinstating its former function as a pump. With the flick of a switch, the pumps can be stopped, ending the water spaces and opening up the entire structure for events.
