In an area between forest and dunes there is a villa between rough pine trees. The house is like an abstract object anchored in the sloping landscape. It is like a rock coming up through the ground. In the seemingly small contrast there is actually a powerful interaction between landscape and building. Slopes of the surrounding area are strengthened, so daylight can enter all the way down to the basement. Because of this interference there is an exceptional view on the garden from this level. With the manipulation of the landscape we also solved the parking and the villa gets different façade characters all around. At one sight the tree layers of the house are completely visible and at the other sight it is more hidden in the landscape.
The sculptural building interacts with the surrounding landscape. It 'pushes' a few volumes and terraces into the surrounding landscape. In that way the terraces are not part of the garden design but they are transformed into an extension of the residence.
There is also a strong dialog between building and landscape trough the use of materials. The stony façade anchors the villa to the ground and the pinewood of the facades refers directly to the Pine tree forest. The house becomes with its form and material an abstract response by men on the context of the landscape.
An important theme in the villa is the spatiality between the three floors. From the basement to the first floor there is a vacant space that connects the three floors with each other. From the front door there are sight lines which strengthen the relation between the villa and the garden on three levels. Next to the vacant space the toilet, wardrobe and cabinets are placed. The parapets and stairs run smoothly through the vacant space and creates a sculptural connection between the three floors. Walking through the house you are continuously surprised by the different views at the landscape. In every room the dialog between building and landscape / man and nature is central.
Background information building site: The villa is located in a residential area on the edge of Soest. This area was intended in the ‘70s for detached houses. In those days lots of bungalows were built. Also on this parcel was a big ruined ‘70s bungalow. The house was demolished and on a smaller surface this villa is realised. By constructing more volume (more than 1/3) under ground level more space was available for the garden.
Background information vision: Zecc, Grounded Architecture. With this villa we illustrate our architecture 'with the ground'. With reason and feeling. Architecture anchored on its location and being functional. Architecture with a strong personality and a high value of experience. Next to functionality and aesthetics, 'grounded' represents a durable architecture in broad sense: flexibility, conscious material use and energy.
