Renovation Park Villa Eindhoven, highly sustainable structures often contradicts sustainability if it means demolishing something first. That’s why, as a firm, we frequently opt for large-scale renovations instead of demolishing and rebuilding, provided that the existing building has enough valuable qualities. This approach was also applied to the iconic 1970s villa in Eindhoven.
© Tim Van de Velde
Situated on the southern edge of Eindhoven, where the city meets the surrounding nature, a unique villa is nestled among tall trees. Although the villa was in disrepair, it possessed many unique features. Notably, it had a characteristic 1970s sitting pit and an open staircase at the heart of the house, offering a dynamic spatial experience for residents and visitors. Our aim was to preserve these original qualities as much as possible in the renovation design. We focused on enhancing the connection between the house and its lush green backyard by introducing a covered outdoor space adjacent to the kitchen and optimizing the number of openings in the facade. This improvement also allowed for maximum natural light, which had been limited in the original design due to the dense tree cover. For instance, the existing balcony at the rear was removed to allow the filtered light from the trees to reach the living room. Additionally, we created an open connection between the kitchen and living room, facilitating a seamless flow between the different living areas.
© Tim Van de Velde
Through small adjustments to the structure, we maximized the preservation of the original materials and construction, significantly reducing the CO2 impact. Moreover, the newly added wooden facade cladding contributes to CO2 storage. By insulating the existing shell with a thick layer of insulation, installing triple-glazed windows, ensuring optimal sealing, and incorporating a heat pump along with solar panels, we achieved a sustainable, energy-neutral home.
© Tim Van de Velde
Aesthetically, the wrapping of the existing facade gives the house a new architectural identity. For Villa H, we selected finely sawn, preserved black pinewood. On the ground floor, the wood features a deep relief, softening the building’s appearance at eye level. On the first floor, the texture is more abstract and smooth. This subtle variation in textures, along with the play of light from the sun filtering through the tree canopy, creates an ever-changing and captivating experience of the house.
Project Info
Architects: Wenink Holtkamp Architecten
Country: Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Area: 1500 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Tim Van de Velde
Lead Team: Jan-Peter Wenink
Interior Design: Baas & Kleinbloesem
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: Archimedes Bouwadvies
General Constructing: Van Kaathoven
Engineering & Consulting > Mechanical: Van Gerven
Installations: Van Gerven
Constructors: Archimedes Bouwadvies
Window Frames: AluK
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.