Energy neutral floating villa by vanOmmeren-architecten

Energy neutral floating villa 'Haarlem Shuffle' is located in the Spaarne river, close by the historic city centre of Haarlem, the Netherlands.

Architect: vanOmmeren-architecten
Client: Lex Schelvis
Location: Haarlem, Netherlands
Completion: 2017
Gross built area: 210 sqm
Construction: De Blauwe Wimpel
Technics: Haddock Technics
Transport: Brouwer
Photography: Eva Bloem

From the architect: The design plays with the perception of the dynamics around the Spaarne, the relationship with Haarlem and the bright open living spaces.

The ark gets its expression by a strong orthogonal composition of open and closed facade elements. The large vide near the southwest windows opens up the floor for light to reach the lower music and sleeping spaces.

Commonly used wood cladding makes place for a strong textured facade bordered with a slim aluminum roof trim. This strongly profiled exterior makes the rhythm and texture of the ark visible from great distance, using only materials that are true to its nature.

Owner and client Lex is not impressed easily. Having lived in historical homes with high ceilings near the Spaarne for all of his life, Lex decided he wanted this quality of living, but now in the Spaarne river. After the structural completion in 2015, Lex spent another three years on the interior build finalizing all of his detail wishes.

Two heat pumps and a roof filled with solar panels guarantee comfortable and energy neutral living. There is no gas connection on board.

The sustainable and high-end detailing makes this floating villa stand out from the other houseboats.

Where the Spaarne makes his overture to Haarlem; it is relaxed living in a dynamic and bright environment; designed in a rhythmic but playful whole: the Haarlem shuffle.

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