Villa X Story by Barcode Architects Villa X

Villa X

Barcode Architects as Architects

Villa X combines solid and void in a geometrically minimalistic composition. Based on the clients’ desires for both openness and privacy, Barcode Architects designed a living space that blends seamlessly with the garden, as well as enclosed rooms that would allow the couple to “close the door”. Simplicity, material quality, and a contemporary appearance were key aspects of the design.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

To achieve optimal sun exposure and maximize the size of the garden, the villa is conceived as a single elongated box. The front and back facades are folded inwards, providing covered exterior space while maintaining the volume’s geometric purity. A public-private transition is thus created at the front, and a protected terrace at the back. Seen from outside, the solid-void composition can clearly be read.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

A long transparent façade encloses the open living space – the “void” – and two closed concrete blocks at both ends mark the “solid” private spaces, which contain the guest and private living quarters. The fully glazed façade opens the living area towards the garden, and allows the changing daylight to animate the space.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

The “solid” private spaces are clad in anthracite concrete, which is detailed to be at once massive, subtle and refined. Hefty 12-ton 11m x 3m precast concrete side walls give a sense of weight and protective solidity, while the smooth, reflective finish – achieved by multiple layers of hand-polishing – gives a delicate and luxurious effect. A malleable and ductile quality is suggested by the protruding guest room window; it is cast into the wall, appearing to have been pulled out from an elastic surface. The villa’s corners are exact and sharp.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

The 15cm-thick concrete walls come together in a thin 10mm gap, and the angled geometry of the front and back facades makes the walls appear as though they were accurately scored and folded. Inside, the private zones have an intimate atmosphere with rooms that each have their own identity: from the “surrealist” Escher-inspired restroom to the sunny yellow guest bathroom.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

Contained between the two dark “solid” ends, the central “void” is a bright and airy living space. A direct view to the garden is offered by a fully glazed façade with frames hidden in the floor and ceiling. Sunlight is reflected by the white ceiling and walls, and by the light resin floor.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

The space is completely open, with only two freestanding core furniture elements that define the entrance, living, dining and kitchen zones. One is a tactile linear element with curved edges and a smooth, dark-stained bamboo finish, echoing the aged beech tree outside. It integrates building installations, storage space, a TV, and a fireplace. Continuing above the roof, it visually anchors the building.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy

The second core element is rectilinear and T-shaped. It defines the entrance, dining area and kitchen, and features black-stained oak cabinetry. These two wood elements add warmth and an intimate scale to the overall light and open living area. From this protected yet transparent space, the couple can vividly experience the garden as it changes throughout the seasons.

photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy
photo_credit © Christian van der Kooy
© Christian van der Kooy
Caption
Caption

Villa X

Reynaers Aluminium as Curtain Walls, Sliding Systems

Villa X embodies simple and contemporary elegance. Rising gently above street level, the sleek home-for-two stands out from its neighbours in this part of Noord Brabant in the Netherlands. Step closer and you will notice the building’s solid concrete ends in grey, linked by front and back glass façades that curve inwards. Reynaers Aluminium profiles made this design feature possible, combining ultimate openness with privacy.


Barcode Architects designed private spaces set mainly behind deep-grey concrete walls. But do not be fooled by the villa’s dark façade: a long, open and bright space forms its peaceful centre, all thanks to a nifty curtain wall system. These massive glass façades – at the front and back of the building – came courtesy of Reynaers Aluminium. Solutions here include ConceptWall 50 for the curtain wall, as well as our ConceptPatio 155 insulating sliding doors, all professionally assembled and installed by Haro Aluminium.

 

Curvy glass façades
If you happen to be visiting Villa X, take a moment to admire how the twin glass façades curve inwards. “By choosing Reynaers Aluminium profiles, we were able to remove the top and bottom line in ceiling and floor,” says Tim Brans, Senior Architect for Barcode Architects. “Minimal black sealant joints between the glass allowed for huge glass panels, offering exceptional views for everyone to enjoy.” He adds that the curved concept also provides covered exterior space – over the main entrance and over the two sliding doors to the garden.

photo_credit Jan Willem Schouten
Jan Willem Schouten

Dark anthracite concrete was used for the “heads” of Villa X, its roof frame, and the terrace floor. The outsized dimensions are impressive: side walls made from a twelve-tonne prefabricated concrete wall, plus corners clad in tall concrete slabs. Architect Brans realised the panels were too huge for machines to polish. Luckily, hand-polishing experts solved this challenge and created the ideal reflective surface.

 

"Using minimal black sealant joints between the glass, we created huge glass panels with wonderful views." - Tim Brans, Barcode Architects

 

Aluminium makes another star appearance indoors. “We opted for a semi-structural curtain wall system to combine transparent, translucent, and opaque glass parts as a band window,” notes Brans. As a result, this window brings the residents more privacy, a spectacular panoramic view, and best-in-class insulation. An added parallel expansion window, complete with scissor connections, keeps out all opportunist burglars.

photo_credit Jan Willem Schouten
Jan Willem Schouten

The result is a light and airy home that delivers exceptional safety and security for its residents thanks to our aluminium solutions. Villa X proves that smart designs and carefully selected materials can combine bright openness and ultimate privacy in perfect harmony.

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