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Valkenberg Estate

Ard de Vries Architecten realised a house in Twente, The Netherlands, that absorbs the length, the views and the seclusion – recognizable characteristics of the bocage – in itself.

The house is part of the estate Valkenberg and therefore takes a position in the tradition of heirs and estates in Twente. The house absorbs the length, the views and the seclusion – recognizable characteristics of the bocage – in itself. The size of the rooms, the light, the use of materials and the orientation ensure that the prospect of the bocage is constantly changing when moving through the house. In this way their everyday rituals that take place outside can pass directly into the family rituals that take place inside the house.

Img.1 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

Img.2 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

Img.3 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

Img.4 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

Img.5 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

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Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, site plan

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Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, plan

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Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, ground floor plan

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Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, first floor plan

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Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, elevation

Amsterdam-based studio Ard de Vries Architecten finds it very important that the materials – if possible – come from naturally grown, raw materials. Prior to the design, the family bought some sandstones of an old, demolished house. This had to be the basis for their home. The barns near Dinkelland are made from untreated oak, a material that can be found abundantly in this area.

Img.6 Ard de Vries Architecten, Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands, 2017

Valkenberg Estate, Twente, The Netherlands
Program: single family house
Architect: Ard de Vries Architecten
Area: 500 sqm
Completion: 2016