A sculptural timber roof turns a crumbling holiday home into a green forest getaway

Rather than tear down a crumbling 1950s holiday home in the Netherlands, Bloot Architecture decided to turn the residence into a sustainable escape that feels like a modern day treehouse.

The accomplish this, the team created a sculptural rooftop extension that climbs out of the original structure and seeks it’s way towards the trees of the surrounding forest. A new new off-grid solar system provides energy, and a wood stove provides warmth in the winter. Wastewater now ends up in a septic tank filtered by a halophyte filter. The rooftop extension was constructed out of timber, with flax insulation, and the facades and roofing were covered with untreated Larch cladding. It offers space for two bedrooms and a landing with a wash table. Hanging stairs in the existing living room provides access to the new extension. The beds and storage space are built-in so no further furniture will be needed, maximizing space and creating a home that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.