The ‘homes of the future’, previously the stuff of fantasy exhibited only in World's Fairs and science fiction, are increasingly becoming a reality, as proved by this project by UNStudio, completed over 6 years. “The contemporary smart home not only enables the control of appliances from afar and incorporates the necessary installations and materials to aim for a zero net energy building, it also responds to changes in today’s lifestyles", said architect Ben van Berkel, co-founder of the studio.
The starting point to respond to such changes are flexible incorporated floor plans to satisfy any family member’s need and their own individual life. Located on the outskirts of a Dutch village and close to the sea, the W.I.N.D. House is backed by a sheltered wooded area and fronted by a large, open expanse of polder landscape. The design of the house responds to both its setting and to the seasons, whilst regulating and maximising upon the effects of these.

The organisation of the house is defined by its external conditions. The more intimate working and sleeping areas are located towards the back, where the enclosure of the nearby woods provides an intimate, private setting, while the living areas enjoy expansive and panoramic views of the polder landscape to the front. Both the front and rear of the house are fully glazed and as such connect the two differing outside conditions with the interior. The continuum between inside and outside is further enhanced by the position of the open plan living areas (kitchen / dining / living) on the first floor, strongly overlooking the landscape and almost projecting it into the house. Overall, the space features a vertical organization which follows a centrifugal split-level principle. An open staircase at the centre of the house connects the front and back wings, with the result that each turn on the stair provides expansive vistas through the house and out towards the surrounding landscape. From the living areas the staircase leads up to the second level at the rear of the house, where the Master bedroom with hamam and the guest room are located, before ascending further up to the generous roof terrace which covers the complete two front wings of the house and overlooks the polder landscape.

Last but not least, a comprehensive home automation system enables integrated control of the electrical systems including solar panels and mechanical installations. Complete control of this ‘smart home’ is possible by a central touch-screen in the living area, while decentral devices provide dedicated control per room. Furthermore control is possible remotely by independent devices via LAN-connection.

INFO: www.unstudio.com

PHOTO COURTESY: Interior: ©Inga Powilleit; Exterior: ©Fedde de Weert