This house incorporates a two-fold philosophy: on the one hand it has a sturdy and distinctive form, while on the other hand the building method is based on the use of exclusively natural building materials. The house maximises the width of the building plot, after which two corners are slanted. This way there are no narrow 'lanes' along the building, and the gardens visually continue along the house. The house is built in a prefabricated timber frame, insulated with wood wool and finished with the very distinctive, blackened Naoshima wood. Within the sleek and strong form of the black volume are rather classic Accoya windows, with a few variations within the same format. This combines the powerful stylistic elements with the homeliness associated with a home. The house is characterised by a more closed facade on the south to prevent overheating, and a beautiful large window overlooking the water on the north-western wall. The interior is very open, with a large loft and a mezzanine floor. Materials such as clay, plywood and laminated construction timber enjoy a visible presence.

A report was broadcast on 19 September 2017 as part of the KRO-NCRV programme BinnensteBuiten about this house, in which Sanne den Hoedt, Maarten Habets and their two daughters live in the Rotterdam vinex district of Prins Alexander. The house was designed by Raoul Vleugels and Niels Groeneveld of Werkstatt architects.

 

 

 

Used materials in this project: