Contemporary Villa In The Dutch Countryside Forms A Tiny Village

Architecture and design studio mecanoo recently completed a very interesting project in Vught, The Netherlands. They managed to come up with a contemporary interpretation of the “hoeve” which in the Dutch contryside defined an ensemble of farmhouses and living quarters organize around a courtyard. The team found inspiration in the designs and structures of the nearby farm buildings and created something truly unique. The projects consists of three separate volumes which together form their own little village.

The tallest of the three volumes is also the most prominent one thanks to its design
The tallest of the three volumes is also the most prominent one thanks to its design
The higher volume also has the best views which can be admired from the roof terrace
The higher volume also has the best views which can be admired from the roof terrace
The dark bronze anodized aluminum cladding on the exterior of the structures is reminiscent of the corrugated roofs of the nearby farmhouses
The dark bronze anodized aluminum cladding on the exterior of the structures is reminiscent of the corrugated roofs of the nearby farmhouses

Two of the volumes are reminiscent of the traditional barns with gabled roofs. They’re directly connected to the gardens and have two levels each. One of these volumes houses the living room, kitchen, dining area and a large veranda on the ground floor. Its upper level consists of a workspace and a playroom. The other barn-like volume consists of a large cooking studio where up to 20 people can take classes and participate in workshops and team building activities. Directly adjacent to it there’s a structure that houses the garage and the bottom and a storage area and a guest suite at the top. The third volume is the tallest and most prominent one. It houses all the bedrooms and private spaces and has a roof terrace on top.

The two lower volumes are quite similar in terms of design and proportions
The two lower volumes are quite similar in terms of design and proportions
Wood is the main material used inside the volumes. It makes the spaces feel very warm and inviting
Wood is the main material used inside the volumes. It makes the spaces feel very warm and inviting
All the bedrooms and private areas are clustered inside the three-story building
All the bedrooms and private areas are clustered inside the three-story building
The windows on the higher volume are small and offset, giving it a playful appearance
The windows on the higher volume are small and offset, giving it a playful appearance
The two lower volumes are shaped like gabled barns but feature a contemporary design
The two lower volumes are shaped like gabled barns but feature a contemporary design
One of the barn-like volumes houses a large cooking studio where classes, workshops and team buildings take place
One of the barn-like volumes houses a large cooking studio where classes, workshops and team buildings take place
The main volume places the master bedroom on the ground floor and the children's rooms on the top two floors
The main volume places the master bedroom on the ground floor and the children’s rooms on the top two floors
All three buildings are loosely clustered around a courtyard, typical for farmhouses in this area
All three buildings are loosely clustered around a courtyard, typical for farmhouses in this area
The interior design is generally very simple, with a focus on natural materials and finishes
The interior design is generally very simple, with a focus on natural materials and finishes
Both gabled structures open up directly to the gardens and enjoy strong connection to the outdoors
Both gabled structures open up directly to the gardens and enjoy strong connection to the outdoors
This is the kitchen, dining room and living area, all connected in one large open space
This is the kitchen, dining room and living area, all connected in one large open space