Engel Architecten hides a bungalow in the green countryside of Holland
Architectural studio Engel Architecten plants a contemporary bungalow with a refined volumetric structure in the lush green of the north Holland. The site is surrounded by tall trees and forms a one-story site residence which unfolds in four units and merges them with the natural landscape. The main principle of the design follows a comprehensive approach to the environment, whereby the built structure is in direct contact with its surroundings without overpowering the scene with its frame.
The house consists of four volumes of different heights strategically placed on the plot, with each part of the composition fulfilling its own function. The units are arranged around a terrace which forms the heart of the house. The building is positioned slightly higher than the surrounding landscape and a supporting plinth is set back slightly. The optically detached form accentuates the clear lines of the frame and the volumetric structure, which is mainly characterized by light tones brick becomes more legible.
Front facade view | all pictures by Stijn Poelstra
Calm and simplicity determine the interior design
The surrounding greenery provides adequate privacy, one of the key requirements of the plan. In addition to privacy, the project takes into account the need for plenty of daylight in all rooms. The residence has been designed to maintain a high level of transparency between the living zones and the outdoor spaces, guaranteeing intimacy through the dense forest that surrounds the property. The volumes are arranged along the corridor that encloses the patio without restricting the amount of sunlight that comes through.
The soft, minimalist design approach is strongly visible both outside and inside. By using soft colors, natural materials and subtle textures the design team Maintains calm and simplicity in the living areas, exuding a warm ambiance and avoiding overwhelming the architectural elements. The custom-made interior has been thought through down to the last detail and tailored to the needs of the users. Ample storage space in all rooms ensures balance and order, while the minimalist approach to the room layout ensures that the superfluous is avoided.
garden perspective
Fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces in refined architecture
The project merges indoor and outdoor spaces in several circumstances, for example continuing the masonry that makes up the spacious fireplace from the outside in, creating large glass surfaces that allow the greenery to merge with the living areas. The large, south-facing sliding doors are pushed back slightly into the facade and break up the monolithic character of the residential building. A long skylight along the kitchen creates an interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
Natural nuances were chosen for the interior design of the house, which convey a modern and unique appearance. The house is built of a long format brick in light gray color. The precise blending of two types of brick creates a subtle framework. The gray color scheme is also applied to the rest of the exterior like the window frames, all aluminum work and the architectural concrete. Together they form a whole. By setting back the band connection, the horizontal lines accentuate the composition and are present in the design. The vertically placed wooden blinds ensure a balanced play of lines and create a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
facade detail