Project name: Villa JM | Location: the Netherlands | Completed: 2020 | Architect: Powerhouse Company
From the road it's a simple symphony in stone, a single storey glimpse into a hidden world. Once inside, Villa JM offers its residents total immersion in the woodland that surrounds. Award-winning architects Powerhouse Company have created a natural sanctuary, one that also handily doubles as a cosseting home.
The watchword is calm. The materials are natural. Construction is of stone, with the building lifted a foot or so off the ground to offer some height, the better to inhale the greenery that surrounds this quiet masterpiece. Fully glazed living areas swoop gracefully inwards to provide unexpected terraces. Marble and slatted wood provide privacy where needed.
A central courtyard is the inner focus of Villa JM, which is u-shaped in plan. The interiors aim to echo the simplicity of the natural world beyond the glass. Bespoke furnishings are largely built-in while a discreet annex provides parking, bicycle storage and what the architects describe as "dog's quarters". That's one lucky canine.
Private gardens merge with the woods, while a rectangular pond offers meditative calm. Powerhouse Company have evolved from a kitchen table operation to offices around the world, awards and skyscrapers. Villa JM illustrates that their core stated ethos – "We give meaning to space through profound form and function" – is more than just a few fancy words. Truly a living space for a real connection with our planet.
Now, take a look at Francesc Rifé Studio's AdH House, a modern masterpiece in Mexico City.
