ard de vries architecten introduces landscape into sunlit home in the netherlands

ard de vries architecten has designed a home at valkenberg estate, a remote farm in the netherlands. located in a valley between the mountains of oldenzaal and bentheim, the region is known for its sandstone tradition and beautiful terrain full of streams and rivers. the architects sought to create a project that would be grounded in the tradition and material qualities of the site.

the house is designed to maximize different views, creating a dynamic experience of the surrounding landscape. through a variety of room sizes, lighting techniques and materials the home creates a constantly changing experience of the surrounding pastoral setting. as the architects write, ‘the landscape appears in the villa in multiple guises’.

ard de vries made use of local materials in order to pay tribute to the history of the site. naturally grown, raw materials are employed throughout the space including sandstone which belonged to a demolished house. a carpenter was hired to employ locally sourced oak in the structural frame of the project. the frames are made of untreated, laminated oak while the interior is made of oak.