Villa Ruwiel, designed by Studio Vincent Architecture, is located in Breukelen, a small town in the Netherlands known for its rich agricultural history. The villa, located on what was once a goat farm, bridges the gap between traditional rural architecture and modern living. Surrounded by fruit trees and agricultural fields along the ancient waterway, Villa Ruwiel offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional barn structures, providing a comfortable and functional living space for its occupants.
Villa Ruwiel Technical Information
- Architects1-21: Studio Vincent Architecture
- Location: Breukelen, Netherlands
- Completion Year: 2022
- Photographs: © MWA Hart Nibbrig, © Studio Vincent Architecture
The design captures the simplicity and functionality of traditional farm buildings, adapting these elements to create a contemporary, energy-efficient home to blend the house into its cultural and natural setting.
– Studio Vincent Architecture
Villa Ruwiel Photographs
Form and Function: The Asymmetrical Barn Silhouette
The project exemplifies Studio Vincent’s ability to blend modern design sensibilities with an appreciation for historical context. The villa’s asymmetrical silhouette, with its striking roofline and connection to the landscape, is a visual and functional reference to the barns that have dotted the Dutch countryside for centuries. This architectural approach respects the site’s history and introduces a forward-thinking focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, marking a significant achievement in rural residential design.
One of Villa Ruwiel’s most defining features is its distinctive roof, which reflects the principles of traditional barns from the region. Historically, barns were built with large, protruding roofs that protected workers and materials from the elements. Studio Vincent reinterpreted this characteristic into an expansive canopy that shelters the villa’s entrance and terraces, visually anchoring the building to its natural surroundings. The roof evokes the utilitarian beauty of past structures and serves a critical function in shading the interior spaces during summer months while allowing sunlight to filter in during winter.
The house’s spatial arrangement is as thoughtful as its external form. Villa Ruwiel’s interior is designed with an open-plan layout that encourages a seamless flow between different zones. The main living areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and living room, are on the ground floor, adjacent to the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The open staircase leading to the first-floor guest room and office maintains sightlines throughout the space, enhancing the feeling of openness while preserving privacy in critical areas.
The material palette further reinforces the villa’s connection to its agricultural roots. The lower portion of the façade is constructed with durable brick, protecting the house from the elements. At the same time, the upper sections are clad in horizontal planks of Fraké wood, a natural material known for its weather resistance. These materials, chosen for their aesthetic and practical qualities, echo the simplicity and resilience of traditional barns, where materials were selected based on local availability and functionality.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
In addition to its architectural beauty, Villa Ruwiel stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The house is designed to be entirely energy-neutral, a significant achievement in modern residential architecture. The large roof overhangs, while recalling the barns of the past, serve a critical role in regulating the villa’s internal climate. During the summer, the overhangs provide essential shade, reducing the need for artificial cooling. In the winter, the low-angle sun penetrates deep into the interior, helping to naturally warm the living spaces.
A photovoltaic installation on a nearby building further meets energy needs. This not only powers the house but also ensures that the roof remains aesthetically clean and unobstructed. This emphasis on energy efficiency extends to the choice of materials and technical installations, all contributing to the villa’s goal of minimal environmental impact.
The landscape design, developed by Wisse Tuinen, is equally important in the villa’s energy efficiency and overall design. The garden, which features taller plantings and fruit trees, is carefully integrated into the surrounding countryside. This approach enhances the villa’s connection to the landscape and contributes to a balanced microclimate around the building, further supporting its sustainable design.
Villa Ruwiel Plans
Villa Ruwiel Image Gallery
About Studio Vincent Architecture
Founded in 2017 and led by Vincent van Leeuwen, the studio specializes in high-end architecture and interior design, delivering projects from concept to execution. Their approach emphasizes the integration of landscape, craftsmanship, and well-being, focusing on creating timeless spaces that stand as future heritage. Collaborating with a talented team and partners like BASE, Space Encounters, and Studio Velzeboer, the studio brings distinctive and lasting designs to life.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Structural Engineer: NAP Ingenieurs
- Landscape Design and Realization: Wisse Tuinen
- Contractor: Bouwbedrijf Bon
- Technical Installations: Schipper
- Finishing: Personate Home & Design
- Interior Construction: Sander Zwart Interieur
- Windows: Schüco (supplier: Derks en zn)
- Wood Cladding: Platowood
- Brickwork: Vandersanden Livorno
- Roof Tiles: Nelskamp
- Chimney: Vulkaan Schoorstenen
- Roof Windows: Velux
- Fireplace: Barbas Evolux (supplier: Van Manen Haarden en Kachels)
- Natural Stone Flooring: Nibo Stone
- Parquet Flooring: Soares Parket
- Photovoltaic (PV) Installation: Zonnemarkt
- Tile Work: Z-Tiles
- Switches and Controls: Gira + KNX
- Spot and Wall Lighting: Flos
- Track Lighting: SLV
- Curtains and Interior Sunshades: Paul van Wees
