the transparent house

In order to maintain the rural character of the location, the assignment came with strict regulations, which limited the volume allowed above the ground level. These limitations eventually proved to give rise to a design filled with spatial solutions.

With the limitations, Waterstudio decided to make a floor under the ground level, providing extra surface within the limited dimensions of the building. The solutions for allowing daylight into the lower floor turned out to be major architectural highlights.

For the building, the guiding concept for design was transparency which is maintained throughout the house by creating an open layout where almost no doors were used. From the main entrance, one steps into an open hallway and is guided to the left or right by the round edges of the house. The ground floor contains a living room, kitchen and a dining room.  The long glass walls on the ground floor merges the outside and inside imparting a strong connection with the gardens and water.

Photography by:  Architect Koen Olthius – Waterstudio.NL