Designing Your World II

MIRROR IMAGES Amerongen, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This property comprises an astonishing 60,000 hectares in the Utrecht

Inside, a robust décor predominates, combining oak, antique barnwood,

Hill Ridge (Utrechtse Heuvelrug). In addition to the main house, it includes

and stucco. There is an alternation between the two rooms, with darker

a Japanese-inspired teahouse which doubles as an office and guest room,

walls in the dining room and lighter walls in the garden room. Contrasting

and an extensive stable. The wife is an ardent horsewoman. The site, even

ceilings provide both continuity and balance. The pale oak floorboards of

in this relatively elevated region, is high up, allowing views that extend

the dining room are set on a slant, anticipating the herringbone paving

nearly 50 kilometers to the next town, and over the top of the 60-meter-

stones in the garden room which extend outdoors. Substantial wooden

-high Amerongen Mountain.

shelves highlight the couple’s eclectic collection of sculpture and art while housing a new bathroom and pantry. The bold elements are complemented

The clients wish never to leave this paradisiacal setting. The brief was to

by innovative refinements. Elegant rails solve the problem of lighting such

double the footprint of the existing house, creating a garden room, and

a high space while spotlighting the art objects. The Canadian barnwood

a dining room which might in the future be converted to a bedroom to

dining table, designed by Wolterinck, is polished to a high gloss with seven

allow living on one floor. The addition was to blend seamlessly with the

layers of resin, while the chairs are upholstered in a painterly textured

traditional thatch-roofed house built in 1903. To take advantage of the

fabric. Smooth napa suede chairs accent a custom fireplace made of

splendid views, the double-height space is divided by a striking glass door

hand-crushed French sandstone, both rugged and incandescent.

fifteen feet high. The pergola, complete with outdoor fireplace, creates yet more living space on the same level. Anchored by slender cast iron pillars,

The most technically demanding innovation was the installation of glass

it opens to views which, to the delight of the clients, sometimes include

walls facing the garden. These may be lowered electronically into a

a horse passing through the pine forests below. The original gardens

dedicated cellar space, creating outdoor living in summer. The glass offers

by Jacques Wirtz have been extended by Wolterinck. New beds of wild

protection in winter while allowing complete absorption in the landscape.

grasses and flowers, including echinacea, veronica and anemone soften

And with such an inspiring setting, one does wish to bring it “inside” –in all

the edges of the terrace, the new garden also mirroring the existing one.

seasons—and for years to come.

Rustic wooden fences near meandering gravel paths protect the delicate flowers from the abundance of rabbits in the sandhills.

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

38

39

MIRROR IMAGES Amerongen, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This property comprises an astonishing 60,000 hectares in the Utrecht

Inside, a robust décor predominates, combining oak, antique barnwood,

Hill Ridge (Utrechtse Heuvelrug). In addition to the main house, it includes

and stucco. There is an alternation between the two rooms, with darker

a Japanese-inspired teahouse which doubles as an office and guest room,

walls in the dining room and lighter walls in the garden room. Contrasting

and an extensive stable. The wife is an ardent horsewoman. The site, even

ceilings provide both continuity and balance. The pale oak floorboards of

in this relatively elevated region, is high up, allowing views that extend

the dining room are set on a slant, anticipating the herringbone paving

nearly 50 kilometers to the next town, and over the top of the 60-meter-

stones in the garden room which extend outdoors. Substantial wooden

-high Amerongen Mountain.

shelves highlight the couple’s eclectic collection of sculpture and art while housing a new bathroom and pantry. The bold elements are complemented

The clients wish never to leave this paradisiacal setting. The brief was to

by innovative refinements. Elegant rails solve the problem of lighting such

double the footprint of the existing house, creating a garden room, and

a high space while spotlighting the art objects. The Canadian barnwood

a dining room which might in the future be converted to a bedroom to

dining table, designed by Wolterinck, is polished to a high gloss with seven

allow living on one floor. The addition was to blend seamlessly with the

layers of resin, while the chairs are upholstered in a painterly textured

traditional thatch-roofed house built in 1903. To take advantage of the

fabric. Smooth napa suede chairs accent a custom fireplace made of

splendid views, the double-height space is divided by a striking glass door

hand-crushed French sandstone, both rugged and incandescent.

fifteen feet high. The pergola, complete with outdoor fireplace, creates yet more living space on the same level. Anchored by slender cast iron pillars,

The most technically demanding innovation was the installation of glass

it opens to views which, to the delight of the clients, sometimes include

walls facing the garden. These may be lowered electronically into a

a horse passing through the pine forests below. The original gardens

dedicated cellar space, creating outdoor living in summer. The glass offers

by Jacques Wirtz have been extended by Wolterinck. New beds of wild

protection in winter while allowing complete absorption in the landscape.

grasses and flowers, including echinacea, veronica and anemone soften

And with such an inspiring setting, one does wish to bring it “inside” –in all

the edges of the terrace, the new garden also mirroring the existing one.

seasons—and for years to come.

Rustic wooden fences near meandering gravel paths protect the delicate flowers from the abundance of rabbits in the sandhills.

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

38

39

48

49

48

49

FINCA IBIZA Ibiza, Spain P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This traditional Ibizan finca, or country estate, is centuries old.

meditation areas. The extensive terraces, larger even than the footprint of

These spare, cubic dwellings made with thick, white-washed walls were

the house, allow the family to follow the abundant Ibizan sun all day long,

built with the materials available to the farmer: clay, stone, and beams of

from morning swims in the pool to evening gatherings at the outdoor

juniper wood for the ceilings. This property had undergone renovations

kitchen. There are dedicated terraces for outdoor living, dining, cooking

over the years, including even the addition of a squash court, but the

and sunbathing.

décor was dated. Wolterinck gave the entire interior a fresh, colorful and integrated look while respecting the essential Ibizan character of the finca.

The client envisioned a natural and serene interior, yet with strong, Mediterranean colors. The starting point was an abstract circular painting

Set atop a hill, the house affords splendid views of the surrounding

in orange and fuchsia by Jade Jagger, an Ibizan resident. These colors

countryside. A highlight of the architecture is the stone olive oil press,

are repeated throughout; the fuchsia especially at the front, echoing the

three stories high, which includes a round living room, bathroom, and

plentiful bougainvillea. The orange near the back harmonizes with the earth

a master bedroom on the top level. A curvilinear seating area and

tones of the surrounding hills and the local Ibizan stone of the garden

shapely fireplace accentuate the circular form of the living space. In the

walls. The injections of color, in weatherproof furnishings and custom rugs

luxurious master bedroom and bathroom, the rectangular volumes of

crafted in colorful jute, are balanced by the rich white walls and organic

the custom-made headboard, softly squared lounge chairs, outsize tub

materials. Wolterinck supplied every item in the house, from furniture to

and glass-walled shower create exciting contrasts with the round walls.

dishes to art objects. The house feels like a family home yet offers the

Throughout the house and terraces, curved shapes in chaises, poufs, area

luxury and ease of a fine hotel.

rugs, and works of art are highlighted against the traditional square forms of the architecture.

Wolterinck also assisted the client with a selection of new fine art, including a bronze by Joseph Cals, a rice-paper abstract work by Zhuang Hong

The client, who had worked with Wolterinck on his primary residence,

Yi and a bright orange painting by Jan de Beus. The rooms, dappled with

wished to create a welcoming and child-friendly home for his young family,

light, feel both airy and cozy. This is a house where the owners and guests

but at the same time wanted a large and adaptable compound for friends

feel relaxed yet invigorated. It achieves a perfect balance between surprise

and family to visit. The house is in use all-year long. The hillside part of the

and serenity, and between a sense of immersion in nature, and in luxury.

house, with striking stone archways, features refitted exercise, spa and

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART •

54

55

FINCA IBIZA Ibiza, Spain P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This traditional Ibizan finca, or country estate, is centuries old.

meditation areas. The extensive terraces, larger even than the footprint of

These spare, cubic dwellings made with thick, white-washed walls were

the house, allow the family to follow the abundant Ibizan sun all day long,

built with the materials available to the farmer: clay, stone, and beams of

from morning swims in the pool to evening gatherings at the outdoor

juniper wood for the ceilings. This property had undergone renovations

kitchen. There are dedicated terraces for outdoor living, dining, cooking

over the years, including even the addition of a squash court, but the

and sunbathing.

décor was dated. Wolterinck gave the entire interior a fresh, colorful and integrated look while respecting the essential Ibizan character of the finca.

The client envisioned a natural and serene interior, yet with strong, Mediterranean colors. The starting point was an abstract circular painting

Set atop a hill, the house affords splendid views of the surrounding

in orange and fuchsia by Jade Jagger, an Ibizan resident. These colors

countryside. A highlight of the architecture is the stone olive oil press,

are repeated throughout; the fuchsia especially at the front, echoing the

three stories high, which includes a round living room, bathroom, and

plentiful bougainvillea. The orange near the back harmonizes with the earth

a master bedroom on the top level. A curvilinear seating area and

tones of the surrounding hills and the local Ibizan stone of the garden

shapely fireplace accentuate the circular form of the living space. In the

walls. The injections of color, in weatherproof furnishings and custom rugs

luxurious master bedroom and bathroom, the rectangular volumes of

crafted in colorful jute, are balanced by the rich white walls and organic

the custom-made headboard, softly squared lounge chairs, outsize tub

materials. Wolterinck supplied every item in the house, from furniture to

and glass-walled shower create exciting contrasts with the round walls.

dishes to art objects. The house feels like a family home yet offers the

Throughout the house and terraces, curved shapes in chaises, poufs, area

luxury and ease of a fine hotel.

rugs, and works of art are highlighted against the traditional square forms of the architecture.

Wolterinck also assisted the client with a selection of new fine art, including a bronze by Joseph Cals, a rice-paper abstract work by Zhuang Hong

The client, who had worked with Wolterinck on his primary residence,

Yi and a bright orange painting by Jan de Beus. The rooms, dappled with

wished to create a welcoming and child-friendly home for his young family,

light, feel both airy and cozy. This is a house where the owners and guests

but at the same time wanted a large and adaptable compound for friends

feel relaxed yet invigorated. It achieves a perfect balance between surprise

and family to visit. The house is in use all-year long. The hillside part of the

and serenity, and between a sense of immersion in nature, and in luxury.

house, with striking stone archways, features refitted exercise, spa and

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART •

54

55

58

59

58

59

UNLIKELY SWAN Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A R C O P E T E R S

This is a story of place. The house, built in 1978, was one of a row of

by Wolterinck in Italy, was chosen for the new staircase and is repeated

semi-detached houses with low, slanting ceilings and limited space. The

through the house, generating a palette of brown, grey and silver tints.

setting on a major Dutch waterway was, however, spectacular—an endless

New glass doors were framed in wood rather than the customary steel.

procession of passing ships, large and small. Wolterinck took this lightly

For these clients, the most important room, where they like to gather and

constructed, dated house and made of it a luxurious and stylish home, built

welcome friends, was the kitchen. It spans the back addition, complete

for durability, energy efficiency and comfort.

with bar and fireplace. The walls throughout the house were painted a light ash color, rather than white, to enhance a feeling of warmth and coziness

The layout was reconfigured. Additions to the back, front and side required

in an often gray and rainy local climate.

a new infrastructure of steel beams. A new foundation was laid for a raised basement to house both a recreation room and utilities. Walls were made

The relatively low, 2.5-meter-high ceilings remained a design challenge.

thicker, also providing acoustic insulation. The footprint was enlarged

Air-conditioning and utilities were installed behind the bespoke cabinetry.

from 260 to 340 square meters. The central staircase was moved to allow

Wolterinck made use of large windows and careful alternations of dark and

unimpeded views from the entrance to the water.

light treatments for floors and walls. The sightlines were expanded, whereby the eye is drawn to the views, making the rooms feel more spacious.

This was a successful team effort. Some of the experts in plumbing, electricity and construction came from the client’s own Rolodex, and

The vision for the garden was to enhance its relation to both the indoors

there was smooth cooperation among the entire team. The house is now

and the river setting. The long axis along the water is emphasized by

fully automated with smart technology. The light plan was especially

staggered plantings and subtle gradients. Hedge clouds and ornamental

creative, complementing the natural light from different angles throug-

grasses that riffle in the wind evoke the water, while sturdy, robust mate-

hout the day. Far from a standard series of spotlights, it is a playful and

rials such as wood and concrete emphasize the port setting. Wolterinck

artistic series of customized lamp placements, including a floor to ceiling

took a simple garden and made it seem as spacious as possible, enhancing

light strip at the new stairwell, itself a work of art.

the seasons with flowers and year-round green, while extending the living space with a windproof porch and a wisteria-clad pergola. This very

The young family, with two teenage boys, wanted a contemporary but

unlikely, once ugly, duckling is now truly a swan.

warm atmosphere. A spectacular stone, Quartzite, found serendipitously

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

86

87

UNLIKELY SWAN Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: M A R C O P E T E R S

This is a story of place. The house, built in 1978, was one of a row of

by Wolterinck in Italy, was chosen for the new staircase and is repeated

semi-detached houses with low, slanting ceilings and limited space. The

through the house, generating a palette of brown, grey and silver tints.

setting on a major Dutch waterway was, however, spectacular—an endless

New glass doors were framed in wood rather than the customary steel.

procession of passing ships, large and small. Wolterinck took this lightly

For these clients, the most important room, where they like to gather and

constructed, dated house and made of it a luxurious and stylish home, built

welcome friends, was the kitchen. It spans the back addition, complete

for durability, energy efficiency and comfort.

with bar and fireplace. The walls throughout the house were painted a light ash color, rather than white, to enhance a feeling of warmth and coziness

The layout was reconfigured. Additions to the back, front and side required

in an often gray and rainy local climate.

a new infrastructure of steel beams. A new foundation was laid for a raised basement to house both a recreation room and utilities. Walls were made

The relatively low, 2.5-meter-high ceilings remained a design challenge.

thicker, also providing acoustic insulation. The footprint was enlarged

Air-conditioning and utilities were installed behind the bespoke cabinetry.

from 260 to 340 square meters. The central staircase was moved to allow

Wolterinck made use of large windows and careful alternations of dark and

unimpeded views from the entrance to the water.

light treatments for floors and walls. The sightlines were expanded, whereby the eye is drawn to the views, making the rooms feel more spacious.

This was a successful team effort. Some of the experts in plumbing, electricity and construction came from the client’s own Rolodex, and

The vision for the garden was to enhance its relation to both the indoors

there was smooth cooperation among the entire team. The house is now

and the river setting. The long axis along the water is emphasized by

fully automated with smart technology. The light plan was especially

staggered plantings and subtle gradients. Hedge clouds and ornamental

creative, complementing the natural light from different angles throug-

grasses that riffle in the wind evoke the water, while sturdy, robust mate-

hout the day. Far from a standard series of spotlights, it is a playful and

rials such as wood and concrete emphasize the port setting. Wolterinck

artistic series of customized lamp placements, including a floor to ceiling

took a simple garden and made it seem as spacious as possible, enhancing

light strip at the new stairwell, itself a work of art.

the seasons with flowers and year-round green, while extending the living space with a windproof porch and a wisteria-clad pergola. This very

The young family, with two teenage boys, wanted a contemporary but

unlikely, once ugly, duckling is now truly a swan.

warm atmosphere. A spectacular stone, Quartzite, found serendipitously

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

86

87

98

99

98

99

AT HOME AT THE OFFICE Amsterdam, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This exceptional office overlooking the River IJ in Amsterdam is as inviting

Wolterinck, defines the living and dining spaces while ensuring views and

as a private home. The brief was to create a workspace which would also

flow. The light visible at the top seems to lead the visitor up to an alluring

serve as a base for several generations of the family nearby to reunite.

roof terrace. A meeting room opens to a luxurious minibar finished in

In addition to meeting all the needs of an active marketing company, it is

Grigio Perla marble. Polished steel frames contrast with the free-form,

where the family might congregate to cook a meal, watch a football game

gray-veined marble, each slab of which is unique. The same tints of Koto

in the lounge, or enjoy an after-work drink on the upstairs terrace. The

Tai silver wood veneer are repeated throughout, creating unity, while the

brief was to create an office which would also feel like a home.

graphically playful end-grain wooden meeting table introduces an element of surprise. The prevalence of refined natural materials in this city office is

This was a shell-state space with visible pipes, a proliferation of outlets and

refreshing. Generous armchairs by Wolterinck for Linteloo create a corner

poor acoustics. The most daunting task, technically, was to dampen sound

for conversations for two near the river views.

while retaining a semi-open plan with a prevalence of hard materials. The solution was found in Koto Tai silvered wood-veneer ceilings constructed

Wolterinck worked with some of the client’s existing furnishings and

over acoustic materials. A flexible lighting plan was housed within thin

treasured art objects, bringing them into harmony with a completely new

wooden grooves. It was a puzzle; what the Dutch call “millimeter work,”

interior design, styling, and palette. Custom paint colors were mixed to

to ensure exact fit and continuity with the hallway, where an integrated

harmonize with materials and furnishings. The ceiling spots, doubled for

paneled door leads to the work area. To avoid a preponderance of wood,

effect, were installed with a click system so the client may move them as

and to achieve characteristic Wolterinck balance, the floors were finished

desired, also to spotlight art. This is a project with a high level of custom-

with a poured composite, which also reduces echoes. Within the work area,

-built work, yet with a surprising amount of flexibility. Part office, part

four double offices are walled with glass, isolating sound while allowing

family retreat, it also feels like a home to its employees, who feel good in

desired cohesiveness and transparency.

these surroundings and who get taken up into the family atmosphere. The client paid Wolterinck the highest compliment, saying of his office that he

A striking, minimalistic staircase, constructed of steel and designed by

himself “would like to live there.”

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART •

106

107

AT HOME AT THE OFFICE Amsterdam, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

This exceptional office overlooking the River IJ in Amsterdam is as inviting

Wolterinck, defines the living and dining spaces while ensuring views and

as a private home. The brief was to create a workspace which would also

flow. The light visible at the top seems to lead the visitor up to an alluring

serve as a base for several generations of the family nearby to reunite.

roof terrace. A meeting room opens to a luxurious minibar finished in

In addition to meeting all the needs of an active marketing company, it is

Grigio Perla marble. Polished steel frames contrast with the free-form,

where the family might congregate to cook a meal, watch a football game

gray-veined marble, each slab of which is unique. The same tints of Koto

in the lounge, or enjoy an after-work drink on the upstairs terrace. The

Tai silver wood veneer are repeated throughout, creating unity, while the

brief was to create an office which would also feel like a home.

graphically playful end-grain wooden meeting table introduces an element of surprise. The prevalence of refined natural materials in this city office is

This was a shell-state space with visible pipes, a proliferation of outlets and

refreshing. Generous armchairs by Wolterinck for Linteloo create a corner

poor acoustics. The most daunting task, technically, was to dampen sound

for conversations for two near the river views.

while retaining a semi-open plan with a prevalence of hard materials. The solution was found in Koto Tai silvered wood-veneer ceilings constructed

Wolterinck worked with some of the client’s existing furnishings and

over acoustic materials. A flexible lighting plan was housed within thin

treasured art objects, bringing them into harmony with a completely new

wooden grooves. It was a puzzle; what the Dutch call “millimeter work,”

interior design, styling, and palette. Custom paint colors were mixed to

to ensure exact fit and continuity with the hallway, where an integrated

harmonize with materials and furnishings. The ceiling spots, doubled for

paneled door leads to the work area. To avoid a preponderance of wood,

effect, were installed with a click system so the client may move them as

and to achieve characteristic Wolterinck balance, the floors were finished

desired, also to spotlight art. This is a project with a high level of custom-

with a poured composite, which also reduces echoes. Within the work area,

-built work, yet with a surprising amount of flexibility. Part office, part

four double offices are walled with glass, isolating sound while allowing

family retreat, it also feels like a home to its employees, who feel good in

desired cohesiveness and transparency.

these surroundings and who get taken up into the family atmosphere. The client paid Wolterinck the highest compliment, saying of his office that he

A striking, minimalistic staircase, constructed of steel and designed by

himself “would like to live there.”

• INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART •

106

107

112

113

112

113

ISLAND VILLA Reeuwijk, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

Islands are intriguing. They lure us in with the dream of a total environment.

inventive use was made of every possible square meter, including inviting

This villa is located in an historic Dutch turf-region where nearly a quarter

niches for lounge areas and custom-built closets.

of the surface area is water. Climbing the steps to the imposing oak front door, you cross a small moat. A fitting entrance to this family compound

The soft palette of neutrals is never dull. A masterful balance of textures

which has been conceived in dynamic interaction with water views.

enlivens the whole, from the light gray cast floors to refined oak ceilings.

It includes a composition of woven textiles, smooth leather, travertine

The design was inspired by a sketch the client gave to Wolterinck. The

marble, stone, and metals in sophisticated hues. The stellar kitchen, with

team had complete charge of the project, from architecture and interior

views to the water on three sides, is clad in a richly patinated brass and

styling to landscape design. Strong axes, clear sightlines and dramatic use

features an ingenious hanging bar. A natural magnet for the large family, it

of glass draw the eye to the horizon, softening the line where the living

delivers a professional kitchen which is also a place to congregate. The soft

space ends and the view begins. Yet, subtle variations in levels enhance the

grey carpet in the dining area is matched, even to size, with the one for the

sense of bespoke architecture. The double-height main living area is set

dining terrace outside, while a handmade ceramic garden pot anchors a

higher than the flanking dramatic steel and glass cubes housing the fitness

space inside. These are just a few of the many thoughtful touches expres-

area and home offices. One part of the double-height living room includes

sing the interaction between indoors and outdoors.

a library above a wall-spanning fireplace, while another is a high open space punctuated by a spherical light element. A sunken garden allows full

The garden evolved in synchrony with the house, and creates a progression

daylight in the lower level, which has four bedrooms and a luxurious spa.

from manicured plantings, geometrical fire braziers and neat terraces to a rolling lawn punctuated by stately older trees and boxes of wild grasses,

Strikingly, the interior design did not follow an architectural preconcepti-

leading you to the water. A white pebble “beach” surrounds the pool, and a

on—the vision of how life would be lived inside determined the architectu-

boat house and guest house lie beyond.

re. Floorplans preceded building plans. The orientation of the house to the back embraces the landscape while maintaining privacy. Separate metal

Contemporary, unexpected, and timeless, this villa delights the senses, and

and glass-clad staircases ensure private routes to the master suite above

is as complete a family home as one might wish, for an island of one’s own.

and to the level below. Whereas most sous-terrains are simple boxes, here

• ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

122

123

ISLAND VILLA Reeuwijk, the Netherlands P H OTO G R A P H Y: P E T E R B A A S

Islands are intriguing. They lure us in with the dream of a total environment.

inventive use was made of every possible square meter, including inviting

This villa is located in an historic Dutch turf-region where nearly a quarter

niches for lounge areas and custom-built closets.

of the surface area is water. Climbing the steps to the imposing oak front door, you cross a small moat. A fitting entrance to this family compound

The soft palette of neutrals is never dull. A masterful balance of textures

which has been conceived in dynamic interaction with water views.

enlivens the whole, from the light gray cast floors to refined oak ceilings.

It includes a composition of woven textiles, smooth leather, travertine

The design was inspired by a sketch the client gave to Wolterinck. The

marble, stone, and metals in sophisticated hues. The stellar kitchen, with

team had complete charge of the project, from architecture and interior

views to the water on three sides, is clad in a richly patinated brass and

styling to landscape design. Strong axes, clear sightlines and dramatic use

features an ingenious hanging bar. A natural magnet for the large family, it

of glass draw the eye to the horizon, softening the line where the living

delivers a professional kitchen which is also a place to congregate. The soft

space ends and the view begins. Yet, subtle variations in levels enhance the

grey carpet in the dining area is matched, even to size, with the one for the

sense of bespoke architecture. The double-height main living area is set

dining terrace outside, while a handmade ceramic garden pot anchors a

higher than the flanking dramatic steel and glass cubes housing the fitness

space inside. These are just a few of the many thoughtful touches expres-

area and home offices. One part of the double-height living room includes

sing the interaction between indoors and outdoors.

a library above a wall-spanning fireplace, while another is a high open space punctuated by a spherical light element. A sunken garden allows full

The garden evolved in synchrony with the house, and creates a progression

daylight in the lower level, which has four bedrooms and a luxurious spa.

from manicured plantings, geometrical fire braziers and neat terraces to a rolling lawn punctuated by stately older trees and boxes of wild grasses,

Strikingly, the interior design did not follow an architectural preconcepti-

leading you to the water. A white pebble “beach” surrounds the pool, and a

on—the vision of how life would be lived inside determined the architectu-

boat house and guest house lie beyond.

re. Floorplans preceded building plans. The orientation of the house to the back embraces the landscape while maintaining privacy. Separate metal

Contemporary, unexpected, and timeless, this villa delights the senses, and

and glass-clad staircases ensure private routes to the master suite above

is as complete a family home as one might wish, for an island of one’s own.

and to the level below. Whereas most sous-terrains are simple boxes, here

• ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN • INTERIOR DECORATION • STYLING • ART • GARDEN •

122

123

142

143

142

143