Turf House

The villa is located at the idyllic village Giethoorn. This place is famous for its characteristic water canals, the so called Venice of Holland. The fen landscape structure is formed by the mining of peat. The plot is one piece in the length in this the structure, 40 meters by wide and 150 meters long. It is designed for a couple who own a famous Michelin star restaurant. Both owners found there origin in the area, and are thereby strongly connected to the local culture and nature.

 

Designed to show the beautiful characteristics of the local area. It follows the direction of the landscape. The position on the plot is defined by the virtually continuing path of the Middenbuurt. In the middle there is enough privacy and the best sight lines, especially to the lake at the north side. As the clients wants to feel close to the nature, it is brought back into the site its landscape. On the north side is a new ditch is created for the boat, as well to connect the house directly to the water. The rest of the plot has a natural variable water level. So with the elevation of only 60 centimetres it makes the house floating on the landscape. The facade is made of black strokes of stone. The villa itself can be seen as pieces of peat drying in the sun. Like most other houses in the area, it can be reached by a private bridge.

 

The long shaped villa consists of three separated parts. A boat house for two ‘punters‘, a garage for two cars and motorcycles, and the main house. This house can be divided in a public front side and an more private back side. The rooms have large windows on the north side, framing the landscape. And full glass sliding doors at the south facade. Making a seamless connection between interior and exterior onto the large terrace. With the use of sliding doors the corridor can be completely opened connecting all spaces together. The hart of the house is a large dining space and an well equipped kitchen. The table is expandable to accommodate eight guests. Warming the house can be done by the stove, as well as the fireplace, which are connected together. Like the dishes of the chef, the villa is telling the story of the area, the villa can be seen as pieces of peat drying in the sun.