Foxhole
In the newly developed “De Winkelbuurt” on the border of Abcoude, stands the Foxhole residence. The project consists of two distinct volumes: the main house and a smaller entrance. Between the two, a private courtyard is formed, moderating the transition from public to private space. Both buildings are shaped as abstract volumes, with the entrance building being completely closed. Large pivoting doors along the street open up the volume to the secluded garden. The house is set back from the main road and a small waterway, providing a generous entrance area and allowing for a smooth transition into the home. Situated on the edge of a newly developed residential area the building takes advantage of its position to allow natural light, including sunsets, to flood the interior. Inside, the design is completely custom-made to enhance both functionality and a sense of continuous space. On the ground floor, spaces are divided by a large all-sided cabinet, rather than traditional walls that support the fluidity between the rooms. With the entry view directed towards it, the kitchen is positioned as a centrepiece of the living area. The adjacent dining and living room feature large sliding windows that open up to the garden, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors. The first floor, with a noticeable roofstructure, uses built-in furniture to optimize storage and matching wall finishes to create an uninterrupted flow between the rooms. Furthermore, the space remains comfortable by matching the height of the materials to the height of the human body. The roof structure above creates a more abstract, light-filled environment, making the rooms feel spacious despite their compact size.
Maximizing energy efficiency was a key aspect of the assignment. The application of extra thermal insulation, a heat pump for general heating combined with localized air conditioning and a heat recovery ventilation system ensure comfort with minimal energy consumption. Twenty-six solar panels, integrated flush into the roof, make the house produce far more energy than needed. Apart from these utilities, heat infiltration from the outside and heat loss from the inside are mitigated by placing windows carefully in relation to the sun, while providing valuably framed views to the outside.
The pentagonal shape of the Foxhole combined with its position on the plot plays a significant role in its relationship with the surroundings. On the side of the residential area, the house embraces the shape of a traditional pitched roof, integrating with the smaller scale of the neighboring buildings. Towards the open landscape, the structure presents a more unconventional silhouette, engaging with its open environment.
