benthem crouwel wraps holiday house in fishing nets on texel island

benthem crouwel wraps holiday house in fishing nets on texel island
photo by jannes linders
all images courtesy of benthem crouwel architects

located on the island of texel, in the wadden archipelago in the netherlands, benthem crouwel architects has designed a holiday home which opens onto a grassy landscape. taking the form of a traditional dutch ‘schapenboet’ shed, the structure is comprised of a typical wood frame, while the exterior surfaces have been sprayed with a rubber coating and wrapped in colored fishing nets. the tonal patterning on the exterior takes its arrangement directly from the internal spatial organization, when viewed in vertical cross section. the mesh envelope is composed of two layers: the first in either red, green, or blue, while the second is consistently black.

the building’s form references the traditional ‘schapenboet’ through its gable roof and bevel southwest face
photo by jannes linders

the residence is informed by the local ‘schapenboet,’ which are shed buildings typically found throughout the texel island landscape. they are used for storing hay and tools of sheep farmers, and stand alone in the expansive open meadows. the structures are characterized by their gable-roof form, with a beveled top section facing the southwest in response to wind direction. their main entry door is often located on the straight and sheltered northeast side of the layout.

benthem crouwel’s design deviates from the vernacular influence through its use of many windows on the envelope. the entirety of the south façade is transparent to provide a wide panorama of the surrounding fields, while upper level fenestration allows views to the dunes and sea in the distance.

the red, blue, and green patterning on the exterior takes its arrangement directly from the internal spatial organization
photo by jannes linders

the layout, finishes, and detailing are all treated simply, so as not to distract from the landscape context. on the ground floor, the kitchen and living area is enclosed by a large glass façade, with multiple doors opening onto a concrete patio wrapping the south corner. this configuration serves to merge the inside and outside environments. around the house’s central wall, the main bedroom, bathroom and closet are placed for increased privacy. additional sleeping rooms, work areas, and storage are situated on the upper level and basement.

the house deviates from the ‘schapenboet’ through its many windows providing expansive views to the landscape
photos by jannes linders

upper level fenestration allows views to the distant horizon line
photo by jannes linders

photo by jannes linders

a layer of black fishing net is overlaid above the colored mesh
photos by jannes linders

the main entry is provided on the north corner of the residence
photo by jannes linders

large glass faces blend the kitchen and living area with the outdoor environment
photo by jannes linders

a concrete patio wraps the south corner of the house
photo by jannes linders

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project info:

location: texel, the nethelands
architect: benthem crouwel architects
gross floor area: 135 sqm
dates: 2009 (design), 2010 (construction begins), 2014 (completion)
lead architect: mels crouwel
project team: mels crouwel, pia hanhijärvi, jos wesselman, volker krenz
photography: jannes linders