Prefabricated House in the Netherlands

Orange Architects, a studio headquartered in Rotterdam, have completed a compact, energy-efficient prefab house on the Dutch island of Texel. The holiday home is clad with black-stained wood. The irregular roof rises on one side to create a sleeping area in the attic. The south side of the house is significantly more open than the north side, allowing sunlight to flood the interior. Inside the building, light-coloured birch panelling forms a warm contrast to the black exterior.
This retreat demonstrates the advantages of prefab houses. Over an area of 70 m², the compact, energy-efficient home enables togetherness and solitude in equal measure. The adaptable interior spaces can quickly be arranged to create more private space. A living and dining area, bedroom, bathroom and stairway leading to a mezzanine surround the kitchen. At night, the wooden panels in the hallway on the ground floor can be turned 90 degrees to transform the living space into private sleeping areas. The library becomes a fully fledged bedroom, while the hidden shower and sink turn into a bathroom.
From the living area to the covered terrace, south-facing windows extend from floor to ceiling to allow natural light to flood the spaces. The rooms on the upper level are equipped with generous skylights. Like the interior, the outside of the house is also equipped to adapt to various needs. The slats on the terrace can be pivoted to block the wind or cast shade as desired. Natural ventilation, a wooden structure and a concrete floor that serves as thermal mass ensure sustainability. Moreover, a rainwater drainage system waters the garden. The roof features solar collectors which are practically invisible yet cover the energy requirements of the house: no fossil fuels are needed.

Read more in Detail 5.2022 and in our databank Detail Inspiration.

Further information:
Architecture: Orange Architects
Location: De Koog, Texel (NL)
Structural engineering: Ingenieursbureau Dijkstra
Building services engineering: Technisch Bureau Blankendaal
Contractor: Cor Koper Bouwbedrijf