arjen reas architecten uses thatch & wood to build rural villa in the netherlands

arjen reas architecten introduce ‘villa benthuizen’, a rural residence located in the heart of benthuizen, the netherlands. settling amid a natural oasis, the design seeks to develop a house that forms a deep bond between the occupants and the lush green surroundings.

images by luc büthker

arjen reas architecten has designed the dwelling with as many open connections as possible, to integrate the interior with the exterior environment, both in terms of materials and shape. the simplicity of the main shape is strengthened with an extended volume, which houses the entrance and the dining area. meanwhile, the roof continues and embraces the house as a veranda. 

the material used for the main shape is thatch, which runs vertically down from the rooftop and looks like a warm blanket over the house. the second material used is black wood, with an open ventilated structure. both materials together provide a natural contrast and a perfect integration of the house in its context. 

on the ground floor, the design generates different spaces for different parts of the program, which make contact by open connections. besides the main living area, the residence includes a separate tv/playroom to create space for all family members, without one bothering the other. on the first floor there are multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, which are connected in the corridor with the living area downstairs via a staircase and a custom slide.

project info:

project name: villa benthuizen

architecture office: arjen reas architecten

location: benthuizen, the netherlands

photography: luc büthker

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom