Villa 22: A Symbiosis of Concrete, Wood, and Water

Platinum A' Design Award Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The inspiration for Villa 22 stems from the unifying role of water. Not only did water play a crucial part in the construction process, but it also defines how the villa is experienced and perceived. The geometric interplay of lines forms a symbiosis with the water in the swimming pool, creating a seamless alliance between the hard, unyielding nature of the concrete, the warm appearance of the applied elm wood, and the rippling water.

The villa's unique properties are inspired by its specific location on a 22-degree slope. The elegant villa appears as an integral part of the hill in which it was designed, projecting the surrounding nature inside through the windows. The outdoors is never far away, providing an indoor experience surrounded by a sense of nature.

The realization of Villa 22 pushed the potential of concrete as a construction material to extremes. The concrete was cast in place during construction, with all pipes and installations installed in these concrete slabs. The protruding balconies are illustrative of the tension that can be achieved with concrete.

The villa, with an approximate gross area of 1000 m2 and dimensions of 26 x 17 x 11 m (w x d x h), lies nestled in a hill in the rural landscape of the green, leafy foreland of the Meuse river in the south of the Netherlands. The design and construction took place between 2017 and 2019.

The most challenging aspect of the design was combining all the elements with the technical limitations of the in-place cast concrete. The result is a seamless integration of all the elements connecting with the concrete, optimizing its load-bearing function. The routing has a logical structure, with the transition from one room to another accompanied by visual moments that do not demand attention but are there for those who notice.

In conclusion, Villa 22 is a testament to the innovative use of concrete, wood, and water in architectural design. Its unique properties, combined with its seamless integration with the surrounding nature, make it a deserving recipient of the Platinum A' Design Award. This design showcases unmatched professionalism, genius, and contributes to societal wellbeing, making the world a better place.