A former commercial building becomes a sustainable family home with this transformation project from MVRDV. Inspired by a Moroccan riad, the interior living spaces of the villa are oriented around a central patio, which acts as an extension of interior living space. Mediterranean influences are further reinforced with a colourful materials palette.
Central to the scheme is the insertion of a central garden patio, creating private exterior space for the house. In addition, the courtyard, measuring 230 m2, allows the building to breathe, ensuring that all interior living spaces are awash in natural light and ventilation. The interior floor space, measuring 770 m2 accommodates a family of five, but also accommodates the client’s small medical practice. All uses are on a single level.
Interior living spaces are oriented around the garden, facilitating a strong visual and physical connection between different spaces. With its Oregon Pine windows, terracotta tiles and blue-glazed stones for a pond feature, the courtyard is the most colourful part of the villa, and a great ‘chill out’ space for the family’s teenagers.
Interior fit-out includes a kitchen with a powder-coated stainless steel block, as well as a tribune structure in the living space which simultaneously incorporates a media room and storage. Moroccan tiles line the bathroom floors, creating a rich visual link to the other Mediterranean inspired elements in the house.
The villa is also a highly sustainable project following circular economy principles, including the incorporation of recycled materials such as repurposed terracotta tiles.
