G31 life-resistant home

G31 life-resistant home | The house is situated in Culemborg, a city with a rich medieval tradition. Nestled within a newly developed area adjacent to the line of bunkers from the Second World War, the house enjoys a unique historical context. Surrounded by picturesque farm fields along the river Lek, the location lends a distinct charm to the setting. The house is positioned on the outskirts of this new area, which has influenced its special design considerations.

These unique circumstances profoundly influenced the design’s inspiration. The house was conceptualized with a nod to traditional architectural forms, drawing from the archetype of a gabled roof. This repetitive motif bestows a sense of scale variation, imparting the impression of a more modest overall volume. Moreover, this design choice establishes a delightful parallel with Culemborg’s historic residences.

 

 

G31 life-resistant home

G31 life-resistant home

Comprising three distinct structures, the house manifests as two one-story units and a two-story dwelling. The volumes are deliberately shifted, creating inviting corners that double as outdoor seating spots.

The entrance, located on the eastern side of the plot, is mirrored by the entrance to the house. This façade, intentionally sparsely punctuated with windows, creates a sense of privacy. In contrast, the western side offers panoramic views of the adjacent farm fields and verdant landscapes. Maximizing exposure to these scenic vistas, the primary living areas and access points to the garden are oriented towards the west and south.

The architectural continuity of the external form finds resonance within the house’s interior. The distinctive exterior ceiling design seamlessly extends to the interior, blurring the boundaries between inside and out. To uphold this design principle, a distinct box-like structure integrates the technical room, toilet, and kitchen. This component is deliberately detached from the ceiling, reminiscent of a standalone furniture piece, and further accentuated by its wooden appearance.

Entering through the central point on the east side, occupants are immediately greeted by unobstructed views that span the entire length of the house. This uninterrupted flow is achieved through the harmonious interplay of the space surrounding the wooden box, generating an open and inviting atmosphere. Transitioning seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining area and finally to the living room, the interior space offers a fluid spatial experience.

The northern volume of the house is dedicated to private quarters. On the ground floor, a master bedroom complete with an integrated closet and bathroom exudes comfort and functionality. Adjacent to the entrance, a workspace is thoughtfully positioned. Upstairs, two bedrooms cater to children, supplemented by a shared bathroom and toilet.

 

G31 levensloopbestendige woning

Materialization

Reflecting the architectural heritage of Culemborg’s older residences, the material palette of the house is characterized by red brick as the primary element. This is tastefully complemented by sleek black aluminum windows and a zinc roof. The resulting ensemble is enveloped within an unadorned yet modern shell, replete with understated minimalistic accents.

Sustainability

Equally attentive to energy efficiency and comfort, the design strategically incorporates passive energy principles and efficient air circulation. Ventilation grilles situated above the windows automatically respond to CO2 levels, optimizing temperature while minimizing energy losses. Roof windows facilitate passive ventilation, bolstering the house’s overall energy efficiency. The optimal level of wall, roof, and floor insulation together with a heat pump and solar panels creates the perfect comfort for the living inside the house.

 

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