The villa is located near the Veluwe, an extensive nature conservation area of woodland and heath in the centre of the Netherlands. The site affords a panoramic view of the Rijn River and its floodplains. With this magnificent view as the starting point, the design positions the house atop a hill on the site. The owners’ desire to be close to nature also influenced the design.
The organic forms of the volumes extend on all sides towards the surrounding nature, and an open playful structure lends the building a dynamic appearance.
The kitchen/living area overlooks the four-hectare garden. Sheltered by a continuous fluid canopy, terraces around the house frame picturesque views. Above the canopy, the upper floor appears to float. The canopy provides shelter from the summer sun and autumn wind, its continuous surface interrupted by random openings that bring light into the house or onto the terraces.
Its white colour, mirrored by the white line of the terrace, contrasts beautifully with the warm timber facade. Curved full-height glazed facade elements merge seamlessly inside and outside. The building’s connection with the natural surroundings is accentuated by timber that is extensively used on the facade, floor and frames.