Monumental treasure
Situated on the edge of the forest in the ‘Gulden Bodem’ lies a beautiful villa dating from 1933. The property was designed by the architects Rot(s)huizen and Wind, founders of the architectural firm Buvani in Arnhem. They created a residence with a work wing in which the architectural style of the Amsterdam School can clearly be recognized. However, over the years, Buvani’s foundation had become outdated, altered, and partly lost through intensive use. It was BNLA architect’s privilege to restore the villa to its original form and character.
Sustainable on the inside, distinctive on the outside
The seemingly contradictory task involved both restoring and making the monumental villa energy efficient. It was an ultimate challenge requiring care and precision. Thanks to extensive research and advice from sustainability specialists, the residence was transformed into a sustainable villa. Due to a building-historical study, the monumental main form and internal structure were mapped out. With the aid of a detailed color-historical study, the original façade colors were uncovered and reinstated.
Dynamic use of levels
Due to its location at the foot of the gently sloping forest, both the plot and the house feature various level differences. From the entrance to the site, the landscape rises toward the main entry. The house’s entrance is striking, showcasing the double-height ceiling in the side wing. The internal level differences provide each room with a distinct living experience and a unique view of the surroundings. Thanks to a new semi-raised terrace, an optimal connection with the garden and the forest at the rear has been created.
Connecting Expertise
BNLA developed an all-encompassing design in which the original layout of the monument was largely preserved. Where possible, a more optimal layout and circulation were introduced. In collaboration with interior designers Wonderstruck & Hum Studio, a comprehensive interior design was created, with Job Interior Construction realizing the custom-made furniture down to the finest detail. Landscape designers Donders and van der Heiden incorporated the natural slope of the terrain into a cohesive garden design. The images were finally captured by photographer Thibault de Schepper.
Materials & Methods
Particular attention was devoted to the design, material selection, and interior of the building. Luxurious materials such as travertine, bronze, and oak, alongside natural wallpapers and textiles, provide an additional tactile dimension that is essential to a high-quality design. All four floors are connected through a coherent use of materials and a carefully balanced color palette. Monumental elements have been thoughtfully integrated with modern and sustainable interventions, creating a unique dialogue between the historic and the contemporary.
Going Green
To make the thermally inefficient villa more comfortable and energy-efficient, the entire building was insulated. The characteristic stained-glass windows were carefully restored and fitted with insulating heritage glazing. The façades and pitched roofs were expertly insulated using breathable wood fibers. The house is connected to a hybrid heat pump with ground sources, and the use of heat recovery units and solar panels completes the energy-efficient character of the home. All of this has been achieved while preserving the highly valuable monumental characteristics of the building.
Positive Change
Through the owners’ willingness to invest time, effort, and resources in the complex renovation, they have not only enhanced their own living experience and that of their children (the next generation of owners), but also ensured that a valuable municipal monument is preserved in excellent condition as cultural heritage. Thanks to the investment in numerous sustainable measures, the residence has been made future-proof and energy-efficient, resulting in a positive societal impact.
Creating harmony
As the project progressed, the desire grew to embrace nature not merely as a backdrop, but as an integral part of daily life. The exterior environment was carefully framed, allowing the interior and exterior to flow seamlessly into one another. In this way, the monumental residence has been transformed into a harmonious living environment in which every occupant feels connected to the tranquility and beauty of nature. Through the use of luxurious materials, the house has regained its former glory, or perhaps even surpassed it.
Architecture: BNLA architecten
Interior design: Wonderstruck and HUM Gallery
Photography: Thibault de Schepper
