Villa Zeist 1
Villa Zeist is situated in the forest of Kerkebosch in the Dutch city Zeist. Built up of three strong horizontal layers, it creates a contrast with the surrounding pine trees. An alternation of open and closed façade elements results in well balanced rooms that offer wide views as well as privacy.
Three slabs
Most apparent in the exterior is the layering of the three concrete floors. The ground floor slab is the largest and slightly elevates the villa from its surroundings. It sticks out from the façades to create a path around the home leading to the extended terrace at the south side. The second and third slab are shaped as continuous roof lines which block the sun during summer and to form canopies which cover the terraces.
Interconnected spaces
In plan, the villa shows a strong clarity. All living spaces on the ground floor are stretched out over the full width. The interconnected rooms can be closed to create privacy or fully opened to serve as a rich and spacious living area. On the side of the direct neighbours, the closed façade ensures groundedness. On the other side, the floor to floor windows and sliding doors establish a strong connection between the interior spaces and the surroundings. The continuous concrete floors enhance this effect.
Right at the center of the house, a void and stairs connect the ground floor to the first floor. Here, a hallway around the void gives access to the four bedrooms. They are placed in the corners of the villa to look out over the woods in two directions. The closed parts of façade of the first floor are covered with timber slats. This differentiates it from the ground floor to emphasize the horizontal character of the villa.
Colophon
Project
Villa Zeist 1
Description
Horizontal orientated villa with stunning panoramas to the surrounding forest
Client
Private
Location
Zeist, Netherlands
Surface
370 m²
Date
2014-2016
Services
Architecture
Team
Barbara Dujardin, Michiel Hofman, Anne Boonstra, Stephan Verkuijlen and Maik Peters
Advisor building cost
Archisupport
Advisor construction
Olde Hanter Bouwconstructies
Advisor installations
Bureau 1232
Contractor
Bouwbedrijf Kon