Woonhuis MB
Introduction
A villa on a former agricultural site, designed for a family with three children. A relation with the historical context was an important starting point for the design. In search for a language suitable within the tradition of the regional characteristics, but also contemporary in simplicity and detail. Traditional forms, known materials, carefully detailed. Analogy with history as well as contemporary interpretations alternate each other on the various scale levels. From a distance a recognizable form within the context arises; from nearby the nuance and refinement of the design reveal itself.
Architecture
The architecture exists of a one-sided kinked gable roof, referring to the ‘Twentse hallenhuis’ – a traditional barn typology within the region. The building is positioned parallel to the road (on the South) and has its entrance on the open wadi-side (water infiltration area - in the East). Because on these sides the lot neighbors with the public space, the façades are shaped as representative ‘frontsides’. On the garden side, a more intimate/small scale and informal appearance is created.
From the orientation of the lot, the functions are positioned in a way to take the most advantage of the sunlight. The building exists of two volumes: a higher part, that is oriented towards the open wadi-side, providing an enclosed backyard and tranquil orientation of the more private functions. Behind that, a lower volume is positioned in a way to provide relations between the inside and outside, as well as creating different areas in the garden.
Plans & sequence
Entering the building, the entire height of the volume reveals itself in an open space, connecting the ground floor to the first floor. From here the roof construction is also visible, which is kept in sight to make it part of the space.
The plans are designed to give space to the family to be together, but also has places for seclusion. From the central hall most of the rooms on the ground floor are accessible. Besides that, a direct connection between living room and kitchen is realized. Vistas between rooms, but also from inside to outside, make an important part of meandering through the house.
On the first floor in the higher volume four bedrooms and a bathroom for the children are situated. The master bedroom is positioned in the lower volume, directly below the roof structure. Through the walk-in-closet, the main bathroom is accessible.
Careful attention is given to salvaged places within the larger spaces: a window seat in the kitchen, an enclosed seating area underneath the overhanging roof, a bench under the bedroom window.
Materialization
A limited pallet of sober materials is applied in orange-red and grey: a remarkable, vibrant colour, with a softer and cooler color as base. These colors are presented in different materials; varying in scale, form, tint and texture. Bricks, ceramic roof tiles, oregon pine cladding and window frames and a thatched roof: mostly natural materials are used that speak for themselves. Where material is
treated, the texture is kept visible. The detailing enhances the characteristics of materials, for example the sloping shape of the dormers is typically possible in reed.
The applied materials are mostly regional and the traditional distinction between ‘front’ and ‘back’- area are visible in the materialization. In execution and detailing an interpretation with tradition is sought-after. Thus on a large scale a connection is made with tradition, while on a small scale it diverges from it, thereby creating a layered whole. In this way a relation with the past is made, without literally repeating it.
