MINIMALISTIC HOUSE AT OIRSCHOT (THE NETHERLANDS)
On a large plot, situated next to a forest, Spanjers Architect designed a modern villa at the end of a long driveway. The use of natural materials (wood and natural stone) combined with white plaster was the initial concept of the architectural design. This house should have a modern appearance and at the same time fit in its forrest surrounding. The minimalistic house consists of two cuboid shaped volumes, which differ from each other in both material as function. The chosen combination and architecture of these two volumes makes that they intensify each other. The cantilevers which originate by the positioning of the upper volume create an interesting sensation. The lower volume, which is partly embedded in the earth by using a split-level, is designed as a minimalistic white plastered box with carefully positioned windows. This volume accomodates the ‘public’ spaces of the house, like the kitchen, living room, closed veranda, working space and lounge space. This last provides a subtile connection with the upper part of the house. The upper volume, which accomodates the ‘private’ spaces of the house, is cladded with horizontal parts of Western Red Cedar wood and is positioned right-angled on top of the lower volume. By doing this some interesting cantilevers originate, which automatically define some exterior spaces. By using multiple window-sizes, which appear to be placed irregularly, this rigid volume gets a playful accent. The cantilevering floor is made of reinforced concrete. The facades and room dividing walls are made as a timber frame, to reduce the weight to a minimum. This also speeded up the building proces, since big parts could be prefabricated.
