Mecanoo has completed a villa clad in multicoloured glazed tiles evoking "transitions in the landscape" in Schoorl, the Netherlands. 

Named Villa BW, the 308-square-metre villa is located in the naturally sloping landscape where the volume is characterised by a double-curved roof coupled with an unmistakable expression of the facade. 

Mecanoo reflected the transitions of the landscape, from dune landscape to polder, and the soil layers, from light to dark into the outer skin of the villa to be part of its surrounding.

The studio created a twisting roof by using two overlapping shapes. Another design element is a gable roof which can be perceived on the dune-side, drawing inspiration from the characteristic of the street scene on the Oorsprongweg. 

On other hand, a horizontal roofline is designed for the polder-side.

Connection with the landscape

The villa's program elements are scattered over three floors, with an additional level within the hood of the roof. 

Due to the natural course of the terrain and the replenishment of an embankment as a continuation of the dune landscape, the ground floor and basement level have a direct relationship with the surroundings. 

A curtain wall system is enhanced by enclosing two voids with the landscape and the sloped garden facing southeast façade.

"The strong connection between the landscape and the house translates into the expression of the facade and roof cladding with the application of a single natural material, expressed through a custom ceramic tile covering that wraps the entire building," said Mecanoo. 

"This customised multicoloured glazed tile cladding represents the transitions in the landscape, from dune landscape to polder, and the soil layers, from light to dark."

In the interior, all living spaces are organised around the curtain wall-enclosed voids and an enclosed wood-cladded core. The curtain wall provides transparency and daylight down to the basement levels. 

The enclosed element-feature of the interior from the basement to the hood of the building accommodates supporting functions, such as rising points and sanitary facilities. 

Mecanoo enhances relationship with its surrounding "by beautifully framing views of the surrounding countryside", utilising wooden frames passing through the traditional tile work.

Multicoloured tiling becomes a key feature in the villa

Referencing from dune to polder landscape of its surrounding, the façade’s colour and appearance plays with transitions in its material implementation. 

Multicoloured glazed ceramic tiles are used to enable continuity through the façade, while the monolithic presence of the building volume is accentuated through the sloping roof surfaces and exterior walls. 

"The hue of these tiles forms a coherent whole, making a connection and blending the building into the transformative landscape. Colour use is consistent with the shades of the environment, ensuring that the villa is absorbed in the changing terrain," added the firm. 

"The dune and polder landscape in various seasons is mirrored in the design’s colour spectrum consisting of 5 shades of grey, green and blue."

"The glaze of the tiles is vibrant, glossy and has an iridescent effect, creating a pearlescent appearance on the tiles, also influencing the incidence of light on the appearance of the facade and roof," the firm added.

The interplay of different colour shades delivers a varied, multicoloured, natural façade and roof. To prevent repetition and flattening, there is sufficient variation. The mix of shades and the light conditions make the villa look different every time, resulting in a unique striking home. 

The exact ratio of various multicoloured tiles was thoroughly studied through sampling. The enamel study was assessed on-site, based on colours, textures and degrees of gloss, using different light conditions. 

The tiles are oriented vertically, with vertical open joints continuing in one line on the surface of the roof. No repeating pattern is discernible in the façade surfaces with the variable curvature of the roof plane appearing smooth and less segmented.

Site plan

Basement level 2

Basement level 1

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Section A

Section B

Southwest elevation

Southeast elevation

Northeast elevation

Northwest elevation

Mecanoo, founded in 1984, is led by founding partner and creative director Francine Houben. The firm focuses on complex, multifunctional buildings and integrated urban developments which combine architecture, urban planning, landscaping, and interior design.

Mecanoo's Brink Tower received planning permission to create inclusive neighbourhood in Amsterdam. The firm is also designing The Grace Tower ensemble in The Hague. 

Project facts

Project name: Villa BW

Architects: Mecanoo

Programme: Villa with living room, dining room, kitchen, lounge, master bedroom, bathroom, sauna, office, art room.

Size: 308m2 

Design: 2021

Realisation: 2022

All images © Ossip Architectuurfotografie.

All drawings © Mecanoo.

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