- Barcode Architects
Villa X
Villa X embodies simple and contemporary elegance. Rising gently above street level, the sleek home-for-two stands out from its neighbours in this part of Noord Brabant in the Netherlands. Step closer and you will notice the building’s solid concrete ends in grey, linked by front and back glass façades that curve inwards. Reynaers Aluminium profiles made this design feature possible, combining ultimate openness with privacy.
Barcode Architects designed private spaces set mainly behind deep-grey concrete walls. But do not be fooled by the villa’s dark façade: a long, open and bright space forms its peaceful centre, all thanks to a nifty curtain wall system. These massive glass façades – at the front and back of the building – came courtesy of Reynaers Aluminium. Solutions here include ConceptWall 50 for the curtain wall, as well as our ConceptPatio 155 insulating sliding doors, all professionally assembled and installed by Haro Aluminium.
Curvy glass façades
If you happen to be visiting Villa X, take a moment to admire how the twin glass façades curve inwards. “By choosing Reynaers Aluminium profiles, we were able to remove the top and bottom line in ceiling and floor,” says Tim Brans, Senior Architect for Barcode Architects. “Minimal black sealant joints between the glass allowed for huge glass panels, offering exceptional views for everyone to enjoy.” He adds that the curved concept also provides covered exterior space – over the main entrance and over the two sliding doors to the garden.
Dark anthracite concrete was used for the “heads” of Villa X, its roof frame, and the terrace floor. The outsized dimensions are impressive: side walls made from a twelve-tonne prefabricated concrete wall, plus corners clad in tall concrete slabs. Architect Brans realised the panels were too huge for machines to polish. Luckily, hand-polishing experts solved this challenge and created the ideal reflective surface.
Using minimal black sealant joints between the glass, we created huge glass panels with wonderful views.
Aluminium makes another star appearance indoors. “We opted for a semi-structural curtain wall system to combine transparent, translucent, and opaque glass parts as a band window,” notes Brans. As a result, this window brings the residents more privacy, a spectacular panoramic view, and best-in-class insulation. An added parallel expansion window, complete with scissor connections, keeps out all opportunist burglars.
Involved stakeholders
Architect
- Barcode Architects
Fabricator
- Haro Aluminium
Photographer
- Jan Willem Schouten