Villa and Horse Stable for a Dutch Family

In the transition region of a typical Dutch village and the cultivated agricultural landscape, on a plot of approximately six hectares is the ensemble of a modern villa and a horse stable, emedded in the context and based on the strict requirements of the zoning plan. Both the proportions, as the graded volume and the use of design elements together with an independent architectural language, tie in with the traditional elements of a house of the Brabant region. Since the desired space program within the guidelines of the development plan could not be implemented above the ground, a design concept is developed, which, based on the modeling of the landscape, enables to create attractive spaces in the basement. At the same time the house is designed from the inside to the outside, mediated on the basis of the wishes of the owners, for a home that meets the different needs of a family and communicates a welcoming atmosphere to visitors.

Characteristic of the villa are two, subtly folded zinc roofs that, together with the horizontal, visually floating pergola and the slightly raised natural stone terrace from the garden, define the interior and exterior of the house and anchor it by the horizontal lines of the context. The design of the residential floor as a transparent glass pavilion under the folded zinc roofs allows the permanent contact with the surrounding landscape and at the same time the interplay of light that characterizes the atmosphere. Sliding elements of timber fins enable the transparent pavilion to transform into a more introverted, more intimate living environment.

Inside the glass envelope, the living areas circulate freely around a central, wood-clad core in which the serving functions of the wardrobe, toilet and stairs are located. On top of this freestanding core is a gallery under the folded roof that provides a more introverted place to retreat, yet still standing in visual relation with the living area. At the same time one reaches via the central core the north-oriented bedrooms in the basement. These rooms, submerged in subdued daylight, are orientated to the lower garden level and invite you to linger. Both levels, ground floor and basement, are determined by the visual relation with garden and stable, as well as the characteristic, ancient oaks that separate the garden from the paddock.

A very clear, unambiguous language of form and a reduced materialization integrates the stable integrated in the ensemble. Both the graying wood for the stable's façade and roof, as well as the extremely precise choice of materials and colors for the house, anchor the ensemble naturally in the rural context. The very careful detailing of the building, which is continued into the interior and furniture design of the villa, defines the overall picture.