Dune House Terschelling

On one of the Dutch islands in the Waddensea, Achterbosch Zantman Architecten designed a recreational dwelling. The dwelling is hidden in the dunes off Terschelling and has a magnificent view over the Northsea. The souterrain is partly constructed into a dune. This way the volume becomes one with the dunes. The characteristic roof accentuates the orientation of the existing roofs of the surrounding houses.

The interior is bright and spacious because the main function, the living room, uses the total height of the building. The atmosphere of the interior is defined by big windows and alternating rough wooden panels with smooth white walls and ceilings. The natural light can be manipulated by opening or closing the shutters. These shutters block the direct sunlight. The windows are situated underneath a cantilever and create an optimal experience of the dunes, the sky and the sea. The attic provides a quiet reading space with a bookcase and feels like a ‘crows nest’ looking over the sea.

The roof construction is made of a Syberical Larch frame. Furthermore the living is completely constructed in a regular timber frame. The exterior wall and roof is covered with Western red cedar. In course of time these wooden parts will turn grey so the camouflage with the Marram grass will be complete. The wooden parts on the glass roof are flexible and in closed situation they integrate seamlessly with the fixed roof elements.
In the souterrain are three bedrooms, a depository, a bathroom and a toilet. This floor can be used independent from the other two floors. Situated above the souterrain there is the living and the master bedroom. Outside terraces surrounding this floor face the morning and evening sun.

Client: Anbeek – Van Heteren family
Location: West aan Zee, Terschelling
Realisation: 2012