The Villa Kerckebosch in Zeist, designed by Engel Architects, was completed in late 2014. The surroundings of this property are characterized by a wooded area adjacent to a moorland. Both the design itself and the choices of colors and materials are closely matched to the character of the immediate surroundings.

This villa was designed for a plot in the Kerckebosch neighborhood, east of downtown Zeist. Kerckebosch is characterized by a forest-like environment and borders a newly created open moorland. The trees around and on the lot consist mainly of pine trees with the occasional American oak or beech in between.

The design was inspired by the wooded area and the character of the moor. With the gray tones of the masonry and the contrasting colors of the window frames, an attempt was made to make the design fit well with the atmosphere of the forest and heath. The strong vertical and horizontal lines in the design are also borrowed from the environment; the vertical lines of the window frames and the horizontal lines in the overhangs and masonry are inspired by the tall straight vertical trunks of the pine trees and the horizontal lines of the branches and crests.

The design attempted to keep the surroundings intact as much as possible; the design stands on a terrace that appears to be detached from the ground. The surrounding garden will have as much as possible the character of the rolling moor. Many of the existing trees on the lot have been retained.

The villa opens to the garden side and the moorland beyond. From the double-height living room, residents have beautiful views of the pine trees and open heathland. Through the large glass facades, the surrounding landscape seems to come in, so to speak. This effect is enhanced by the floor finish that has been kept exactly the same both inside and outside.

The design was fully drawn and developed in 3D. Throughout the design process and implementation, this allowed the clients to get a clear picture of the design and the choices made. The house was completed just before the end of 2014.

Photography: Marcel van der Burg