Project: The House Under the Ground
Architecture: WillemsenU
Location: The Netherlands
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Rob van Esch, Stijn Poelstra
The House Under the Ground by WillemsenU transforms a small goat house site into a stunning, underground retreat. Located on the edge of a protected nature reserve, the project works within strict zoning limits while enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.
Harmonizing with Nature
The design was driven by a simple question: How can a home blend with its surroundings instead of disrupting them? The architects chose to lower a large part of the structure into the ground. In addition, they blanketed the protruding section with a hill. This clever strategy hides the house from public view and makes it part of the landscape. An indentation on the private side offers natural daylight while sheltering an outdoor space that remains unseen. This creates a tranquil haven where residents can enjoy the sunshine, views of the sky, and the sound of birds.
Unique Spatial Experience
Thanks to the stacked construction, each space in the home has its own character. As you move down two storeys, the surrounding landscape changes. When you enter the first level below ground, you find a living room that overlooks a garden terrace filled with colorful flowers. Moving down another level, the bedroom makes you feel as if you are truly underground. Despite the depth, daylight still pours in through a narrow void, a glass staircase, and a glass lift above. These elements reduce the need for artificial lighting.
The glass platform lift in the central void makes the home wheelchair-accessible and future-proof. Open-plan floors without corridors or thresholds create a sense of spaciousness. Clever features, such as a sliding wooden frame that covers a door when opened, keep the house safe for children.
Materials Inspired by History and Nature
The choice of wood pays homage to the old goat shed that once stood on the property. The façade’s pattern is echoed in the in-situ concrete of the curved ceiling, which displays a wooden slat texture. Translucent materials allow light to reach the underground floors, creating a pleasant interplay of light and shadow.
Sustainable Comfort and Beauty
Burying the house underground provides natural insulation and cools the space in summer. The curved roof opens above the stairs and lift, allowing stunning views of the sky framed by the hill’s vegetation. Moreover, the roof blends into the vegetated landscape, supports high biodiversity, and offers an effective water buffer.
In summary, The House Under the Ground offers a unique living experience. It uses simple design strategies to connect residents with nature while meeting modern needs. This project is a thoughtful blend of innovation, sustainability, and respect for the environment.
