In the Netherlands, a collaboration between Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten and interior architecture studio i29 resulted in a home that feels both bold and quietly refined. At first glance, the villa stands out for its striking black brick exterior, a confident architectural move that immediately sets it apart. But step beyond the dark facade and the atmosphere shifts into something softer and more serene.
Designed for a family of four, the house is arranged entirely on a single level, allowing each space to connect horizontally. The result is a home that feels open and spacious, where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors gradually dissolve.
A Bold Exterior Framed by Greenery
From the street, the villa makes a strong first impression. Its black brick facade curves gently in places, giving the structure a sculptural quality that contrasts with the surrounding greenery.
Large integrated planters are built directly into the front of the building, allowing lush plants to spill forward against the dark masonry. The greenery softens the strong geometry of the brick while emphasizing the home’s relationship with nature.
Touches of wood appear alongside the brick, introducing warmth and natural texture to the exterior. These accents hint at what lies inside, where wood becomes a defining material throughout the home.
Glass Walls and a Bright Interior
While the exterior feels solid and protective, the interior opens dramatically to the landscape. Large glass walls line the home, filling the rooms with natural light and providing uninterrupted views of the garden.
These expansive windows make the surrounding greenery feel like part of the interior design. Light moves freely through the house during the day, highlighting the natural materials used throughout the space.
A Hidden Backyard Retreat
Tucked away from the street, the backyard reveals a more private side of the home. Here, a swimming pool sits beside a relaxed outdoor sitting area and an outdoor shower.
The same black brick used on the exterior walls continues into this outdoor space, creating a consistent architectural language. Along these walls, plants are carefully arranged, adding vibrant green contrast against the dark masonry.
The effect is both dramatic and calming. The dark surfaces frame the greenery while helping the outdoor spaces feel secluded and protected.
Black Details and Warm Wood Inside
Inside the house, black elements quietly echo the exterior. Door frames and structural support poles appear in black, creating subtle visual continuity between the inside and outside.
At the same time, wood becomes the dominant material. Large wooden surfaces stretch across the interior, linking different spaces together and creating a warm, cohesive atmosphere.
Cabinets, wardrobes, sliding doors, and even walls are finished in the same wood, reinforcing a sense of unity throughout the home.
A Fireplace Shared Between Work and Living
One of the home’s most thoughtful features is a see-through fireplace that connects two areas of the house. Positioned between the living room and a home office, it allows both spaces to share the warmth and glow of the fire.
This transparent design keeps the rooms visually connected while still defining separate zones for work and relaxation. It also reflects the overall architectural approach, where boundaries are softened rather than strictly divided.
Windows Framed by a Continuous Wood Bench
Along one side of the home, a long wooden bench wraps around a series of windows. From this quiet spot, the planted garden becomes the main focal point.
The bench encourages moments of pause, offering a comfortable place to sit and take in the greenery just outside the glass. It is a simple feature, yet one that strengthens the connection between interior life and the landscape.
A Kitchen Defined by Contrast
The kitchen and dining area sit slightly lower than the living room, creating a gentle change in level that helps define the spaces without walls.
In the kitchen, contrast becomes the key design element. A matte black island anchors the room, accompanied by matching stools that reinforce the strong dark tone.
These darker elements stand out against the surrounding light wood cabinetry and a minimalist white light fixture above. The combination keeps the space visually balanced while maintaining the home’s minimalist palette.
Bedrooms Designed for Unity
In the bedrooms, the architects continued their focus on material consistency. Cabinets, wardrobes, walls, sliding doors, and even the beds are crafted from the same light wood.
This approach creates a calm and unified environment, where each element feels part of a larger whole. Rather than introducing new materials or colors, the design relies on repetition and simplicity to create a restful atmosphere.
Hallways That Stay Connected to the Garden
A network of hallways links the various areas of the house together. Rather than feeling enclosed, these passages remain visually connected to the outdoors.
Concrete floors run through these corridors, grounding the spaces with a subtle industrial texture. At the same time, windows provide views of the surrounding garden, ensuring that greenery remains present even in transitional spaces.
Understanding the Layout
Looking at the floor plan reveals how carefully the home has been arranged. The single-level layout allows each room to flow naturally into the next, while views of gardens and patios appear throughout the design.
This horizontal arrangement helps maintain a sense of openness while still allowing areas to feel private when needed.
From the outside, the villa makes a bold statement with its dark brick walls and sculptural form, while inside it shifts to warmth, light, and natural materials. Through careful design, Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten and i29 created a home where strong architecture and calm living coexist, with every room maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape.