Villa Berkel

Three lanes as the basis for the design

To achieve both natural light and privacy, the plot is divided perpendicular to the road into three long lanes. The lower lane, facing south, is reserved for the garden, the middle lane accommodates the villa itself, and the northernmost lane provides access to the house: the driveway, parking, and entrance are located there. This layout limits the view of the parts of the house that are preferred to remain private.

Zones with their own function

The plot division is echoed in the house's floor plan. This is also divided into three sections, spanning the villa's full 30 meters. This ensures openness and a pleasant living environment. The eastern section, facing the street, houses the more public functions, including the entrance, study, kitchen, and living room, while the western section, furthest from the street, accommodates more intimate functions, such as a television landing, the bedrooms, and the bathroom. Each zone is characterized by its own function and can be closed off with translucent sliding walls.

Connected to the immediate surroundings

To create openness, maximize natural light, and give residents the feeling of being outdoors, the house is entirely oriented towards the private, south-facing garden. Every room in the villa overlooks this garden directly, as three of the four facades are entirely made of glass. The spacious wooden terrace forms an outdoor room, partially covered by a wooden canopy supported by steel brackets, angled upwards. This gives the impression of floating above the ground. Ponds have been placed on either side of the house to raise the house off the ground and emphasize the building's lightness.