Young British firm Baca Architects has seen off an international cast of established firms to secure a place in the final stage to design a new peninsula in Holland. The three selected practices include: Baca Architects (London), Mecanoo (Delft) Kuipercompagnons (Rotterdam). Runners up included West 8, Neutelings and 24HR Architecture. One or possibly all three practices are to be selected by the end of the year. The project includes a major dyke relocation and new 1km long flood relief channel as part of the national ‘Room for the River’ programme to deliver a series of measures to make space for water and reduce flood-risk. Baca’s proposal for a ’Retreat’ combines water recreation, river ecology, flood resilient development and sustainable infrastructure to create a self-sufficient ‘eco-leisure’ destination. It will be an exemplar, integrated solution and showcase for international architectural and technical innovation. To the north of the main river, low-lying land is to be excavated to make room for seasonal flooding, creating a new protected water arena. Landscape characteristics introduced into the design are river dunes, embankments, low and high areas and dykes. River processes are enhanced and dramatised to create spaces that evolve seasonally as well as in the long-term. New features have been designed to weave harmoniously with the natural setting. The proposal unites local history with new ideas and innovation. The line of the old dyke forms the arterial spine from which new housing is organized. A green bridge, spanning the new flood relief channel, is located in place of a section of the old dyke, ‘remembering’ the former defence. The lost Fort Knodsenburg is brought back to life by a public square and activity centre, raised from the historic site, and covered with a living roof and solar PV canopy. A water arena is created in the centre of the relief channel, providing a semi-enclosed water space for water sports, boating and a floating stage to be used for performances. The new development comprises a 70m tall landmark tower to the east, overlooking the rivers, and a series of 100 luxury homes and holiday lets cascading down to and touching the water and linking with a floating quay. The west of the peninsula is reserved for recreation, nature and seasonal flooding. The waste excavated material from the channel is used to form a ‘hill dyke’ to the north, connecting the peninsula with a major new development in Lent.