Pavilion Paal 3 on Schiermonnikoog – a beach bar on stilts by Elianne van Turennout

On the edge of Schiermonnikoog’s vast North Sea beach, Paviljoen Paal 3 stands like a small, cosy island in a vast landscape. The beach pavilion rests on stilts above the sand, with a row of cheerful parasols providing a splash of colour beneath a vast blue-grey sky dotted with clouds. Far away on the beach, a sail flutters in the wind; beyond that, there is mainly space, light and sand.

The clouds are gathering low over the horizon, whilst the dark shades of blue at the top slowly fade into soft white and sea blue. The beach pavilion is deliberately kept small in the frame. This creates the feeling of a real day on an island: you’re out and about, the wind is blowing around you and somewhere in the distance, coffee, a drink or simply a spot to look out over the sea awaits.

For me, this photograph perfectly captures the appeal of Schiermonnikoog: a vast beach that is never quite the same, an unpredictable sky and a beach hut offering both shelter and a splash of colour. With its calm composition, cool shades of blue and wide, empty foreground, this coastal photograph fits beautifully into a modern, Scandinavian or minimalist interior. An atmospheric piece of wall art for anyone who loves to reminisce about the Wadden Islands, long walks on the beach and the sense of freedom offered by the Dutch coast.