Nestled amidst scenic hills, facing the beach and Kattegat, Heatherhill Beach House is a harmonious blend of Danish architectural traditions and contemporary innovation. In every facet, this exceptional holiday home is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the elegance of nature. It is a home that not only respects the environment but also invites it in, creating a living space that is truly one with the world outside.
Location: Vejby, Denmark
Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
Category: Residential
Year: 2024
As you step into the home, you will immediately sense the calming effect it exudes. Every design choice and architectural feature is intended to enhance the sensation of arrival at your tranquil retreat – meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the raw beauty of its surroundings. It’s a place where the stresses of daily life melt away, replaced by a profound sense of peace of mind.
With this ground-up project, we have worked to explore the notion of a traditional Danish summerhouse set in wild nature. An approach that is reflected in the overall shapes of the structures and the choice of wood as the primary material inside-out.
Two carefully crafted axes effortlessly connect different functions within the house, ensuring a harmonious flow from one space to the next. The house itself is thoughtfully positioned primarily on the previous house plot to minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape as well as to work with the sloping surroundings, using various levels to create a sense of comfort within, while maximizing the stunning views of the landscape.
The house itself seems to grow naturally from the landscape, adorned with a sedum roof and cedar cladding aging with grace, further enhancing its connection to the environment. The strict, linear architecture creates striking silhouettes, offering a visual juxtaposition that is both striking and soothing. Moreover, a private atrium beckons you to unwind and reconnect with nature. This secluded oasis allows you to enjoy the outdoors in privacy, creating a tranquil space that is truly your own.
The architecture is designed to draw the eye and hold your attention – leading you on a journey of discovery throughout the entire property. Long views extend through the house, welcoming you with a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery beyond.
Inside, the emphasis on materiality is evident in every detail. The tactile sensation of walking on wooden floors evokes a connection to the natural world just beyond the windows. The use of lye-treated Douglas Fir planks from Dinesen throughout the interior, from flooring to walls and ceiling, not only brings warmth to the space but also continues the promise of the house blending seamlessly with the environment. It’s a tactile experience that leaves you feeling grounded and connected to the world outside.
In the warm embrace of the timber-clad living room, nature becomes an ever-present companion, eliminating the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The choice of traditional brick flooring pays homage to the timeless elegance of Danish residential modernism from the 50s and 60s, infusing the space with a sense of heritage. In this harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements and mid-century modern influences, the materials chosen for the living space are not merely selections; they are declarations of longevity. Each component serves a purpose beyond the immediate, contributing to a timeless atmosphere that stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of thoughtful design.
Amidst this carefully curated space, inbuilt storage solutions are integrated to ward off clutter while preserving the cherished simplicity of the home. This thoughtful approach not only maintains a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic but also permits cherished objects and beloved books to double as personal decorations.
Behind the uniformity of a bright monolith wall, featuring an embedded fireplace, a welcoming lounge nook awaits. The wall is rendered with natural dolomite plaster from St Leo, creating a tactile and smooth surface. Venture further, and the house unfolds with expansive views, seamlessly balancing openness, and privacy, culminating in a home that is both inviting and intimately personal.
The architecture of the home gracefully unfolds from the sunken living room, providing a framed view of the minimalist kitchen, accentuated by a silver travertine island. The deliberate use of Douglas wood, natural bricks, and travertine throughout the home, coupled with carefully framed views of the surrounding natural environment, creates a seamless connection, harmonizing the home with its natural surroundings.
A light tone-in-tone material palette creates an airy, open feel that bathes the interior in a soft, diffused light. This way of amplifying natural light and thus highlighting the transitions of day in a subtle manner has been a key design driver in the project.
Working with wood in architecture and design in this way, we enrich the surroundings and enhance the quality of life in a simple way. Wooden architecture creates understated expressions of timeless beauty that will appeal to us generation after generation. We find it that the traces of life in wood are a humble reminder of our own impermanence. Therefore, its inherent sense of harmony is something to celebrate and be guided by in architecture and design.
At the core of the design concept lies a commitment to genuine materiality that engages the senses. All surfaces and textures are thoughtfully selected to create a space that not only captivates the eyes but also resonates with the sense of touch. This intentional approach transforms the integration of elements into an immersive sensory experience – it goes beyond mere aesthetics.
Despite being distinct spaces, the two bathrooms seamlessly uphold a harmonious aesthetic, adding to the overall cohesion of the residence. Thoughtfully placed framed views provide captivating glimpses of the lush outdoors, allowing residents to savour the serene and natural backdrop while attending to their daily rituals. This intentional design, extending throughout the entire home, skilfully blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, cultivating a profound sense of tranquillity and equilibrium.
Enhancing this connection to nature, one bathroom boasts direct access to an outdoor shower enclosed by the same rustic yet elegant materials. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, residents can revel in the rejuvenating experience of an open-sky shower, transcending the conventional confines of indoor living and creating a truly sensorial connection with the environment.
The essence of designing for well-being lies not in grandiose expressions or ostentatious features but in cultivating a harmonious environment. To achieve this, we’ve harnessed the power of natural materials and colors to construct spaces that not only look and feel good but also stand the test of time.
Whether it’s the vibrant hues of a sunrise or the tranquil palette of a sunset, the bathtub becomes a private observatory, inviting residents to unwind while connecting with the beauty of the world beyond. The symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the surrounding nature elevates the bathing experience, turning it into a mindful retreat that celebrates the harmony between human habitation and the natural world.
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