Start Construction Villa Artemis in Swifterbant
Today marks the groundbreaking of Villa Artemis in Swifterbant. The house, designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects, will be situated in the middle of a 7-hectare agricultural plot, which is being transformed into a biodiverse estate that supports local flora and fauna. The estate will be open to the public.
Nature-Inclusive Villa
The villa is designed to bring people closer to nature. With its large windows and natural materials blending into the surroundings, it feels like living outdoors, even while inside. "We felt it was important to work with an architect who has a nature-inclusive style and uses energy-efficient and sustainable materials. We want to live comfortably while minimizing our impact on the environment," the residents explain. The energy-neutral villa, made from circular materials, has a striking round shape and sits on a raised mound, with an additional floor hidden underneath. A standout feature of the home is the outdoor patio in the center, complete with a tree.
A Backyard for Everyone
The residents aim for more than just "comfortable living." Therefore, the land surrounding their villa will be converted into a freely accessible nature reserve with space for recreation. "The plot was originally designated for agriculture. Thanks to new regulations, we were able to change this, allowing everyone to walk, relax, and experience nature in our 'backyard,'" they said. Restoring the local ecology aligns with the Flevoland Rural Area Program, which aims for a sustainable, livable, and healthy rural environment. The estate will include a large water feature, walking trails, frog ponds, and forests with native shrubbery, as well as special amphibian pools for frogs, toads, and salamanders. The grasslands will be sown exclusively with native species, greatly boosting local biodiversity. "The Artemis estate is set to become a true green oasis in the polder."
Co-Creation
In addition to Paul de Ruiter Architects, the design involved contributions from landscape architect B4o, interior architect Marina van der Goor, lighting designer BeersNielsen, cost estimator Kamphuis Stauffeli, structural engineer Lüning, and Healthy Buildings. The construction of the villa is being handled by contractor Valleibouw, with contributions from SI-X, Bos Pools, Woodteq, Madé Betonwerken, and Knipscheer Infra. The villa and park are expected to be completed in 2025.
Photography ©Freark van der Werff