1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5

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.

Facade detail

Facade detail

Living in the forest

Living in the forest

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.

Forest panorama from the living

Forest panorama from the living

Living lounge

Living lounge

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. 

Hall first floor

Hall first floor

View from first floor to kitchen

View from first floor to kitchen

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.

Hall first floor

Hall first floor

View to bedroom first floor

View to bedroom first floor

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

Related projects