The isle of Texel is the Wadden island known for its sheep and fishermen. The iconic ‘schapenboeten’, sheep sheds that are used primarily for the storage of hay, are characteristic for the landscape of Texel. Benthem Crouwel Architects have designed a Summer house on Texel in the iconic shape of this type of sheep shed.
The floor plan and interior are simple, functional, light, and directed at the landscape. The open kitchen’s large glass facade strengthens the relationship with the garden, and the house is constructed using a wooden frame, a reference to the natural surroundings. As a co-creation of both clients and architect, the roof and facades are finished in black rubber and covered with coloured fishing nets.
The house’s volume is derived from the characteristic shape of the sheep sheds, but contrary to the sheds there are many windows in both the roof and the facades. The house shows that there are more possibilities than a standard holiday home in a park or resort, and that fitting architecture can be an enrichment for the island.
Summer house Texel has been nominated for the Best Building of 2015 in the category of Individual Residential Experience.
Photos: Jannes Linders