Onix Architects have designed the Chimney House in Bosschenhoofd, The Netherlands. The grounds are wedged between a wooded parcel to the south and agricultural land to the north. The wooded parcel provides some soundproofing against the motorway in the vicinity, but also creates shadow. The house is optimally oriented to the surroundings. The main contour seems to harmonize with an environment that accommodates mainly saddleback-roofed houses and sheds. On the ground floor, the volume with the transverse roof appears to balance on two short legs. Between these two short legs, which contain the technical areas, the storage area and the entrance, there is a transparent interior oriented to the exterior, although it also maintains a relationship with the more introverted upper reaches by means of a void. The frame on the ground floor is formed by a row of balusters that interacts with the sprouting stems of the beech hedge. A splendid three-dimensional effect arises when viewing the surroundings from this vantage point. A large terrace adjoins the house just beyond the wood-shaded area on the west side. The first floor has a more secluded character in order to resist the warmth from outside. The bedrooms and other spaces have a window bordering on an alcove. Only the main bedroom has a large window on the north side. The simple saddleback roof volume blends with the four chimneys on the roof. The chimneys are used as channels for the hearth, but also allow light and space to the interior.
