HILBERINKBOSCH Architecten

Dune Villa

Dune Villa

Hilberink Bosch Architecten

Dune Villa

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
martien van osch, bureau oslo

STATUS
Built

PHOTOS
René de Wit (11)

SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Utrecht, The Netherlands

CATEGORY
Residential › Private House

Dune Villa

The Netherlands is relatively flat. Thus, a site with a height difference of 20 feet provides unique possibilities.

HilberinkBosch Architects was asked to fully exploit the qualities of the plot while designing a luxurious villa.

Dune Villa
Dune Villa

The plot exists of three areas: dense vegetation toward the street, a large open space on the front side of the terrain, and an open pine forest on the backside of the plot, which is characteristic for the area.

An offshoot from the ‘Utrechtse Heuvelrug’ provides a significant height difference.

Dune Villa
Dune Villa

The villa is situated on the northeast side of the lot, in and on the sand dune.

The residence is also made of three volumes: the main living area, guestrooms, and a garage. 

Dune Villa
Dune Villa

Together they enclose a cultivated courtyard, the only area on the plot where man directs nature.

The main areas of the residence, such as living room, kitchen, workspace, master bedroom, roof terrace, and library, are situated on the first floor, which provides the best setting toward the forest.

Dune Villa
Dune Villa

Because of the setting on top of the sand dune, one can walk straight out into the forest.

In the dune on ground level, the guestrooms, fitness, sauna, and pool are situated. Because of its large glass sliding doors, the pool has an outside feel, but is also functional during winter.

The connection between the floors is made in two specific places: a closed core that holds an elevator, stairs, and backdoor; and a main entrance with double floor height and a spectacular spiral stair.

Dune Villa
Dune Villa

The main entrance also provides space for large artworks, business receptions, and even small theatre performances.

Floating concrete floors occasionally connected by robust brick walls emphasize the slope and the character of the terrain.

Dune Villa
Dune Villa


Materials which are released on the building site are reused whenever possible. Piet Hein Eek designs doors for the villa from felled trees.

The excavated sand is used in the concrete walls and floors. The building is deeply connected with its location and feels natural, a unique building on a unique plot.

Dune Villa

HILBERINKBOSCH Architecten
T +31 73 6900136
HILBERINKBOSCH Architecten
Wamberg 5, 5258 SM Berlicum, Netherlands