Villa Voorwerf
In the quiet polder landscape north of Amsterdam, an entirely timber family home stands composed of multiple volumes, harmoniously unified through a variety of cladding patterns. The project uses its volumetric play to define spaces, niches, and corners that serve the interior functions of the house. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding homes, the interplay of wooden patterns, protrusions, and setbacks creates a volume rich in rhythm however simple and understandable. To round up the execution of this house, the architect commissioned us to craft a maquette representing the final form of the house, made entirely out of wood.
exhibition model | 1:100
materials: Massive wood (American Walnut)
client: Unknown Architects
architect: Unknown Architects
photography: Studio Basic
location: Amsterdam, 2025
Naturally, we chose to craft this maquette entirely out of wood, completing a design process defined by the same material. Our focus was to highlight the simplicity of the overall volume while revealing its intricacy. Rather than emphasizing the façade’s wooden patterns, we aimed to draw attention to the subtle cantilevers and setbacks that form entrances, shutters, and courtyards.
Using traditional woodworking tools and techniques, we carefully carved the project from solid wood by cutting, chiseling, and sanding each opening and angle by hand. Though creating a model entirely by hand presents challenges, we wanted to connect with the architect's intent and allow the material to guide the process and let the natural beauty of the wood blocks speak for themselves.
The entire exterior is clad in timber, but by using different rhythms, (…) we hope to give a rich simplicity that can be enjoyed for generations.
Unknown Architects
STUDIO BASIC 