Mecanoo has designed a distinctive residence with a striking double-curved roof and ceramic tile-covered façade in Schoorl, a village in northern Holland.

Called Villa BW, it spans three floors, with an additional level within the hood of the roof. The roof comes together through two overlapping shapes: a gable roof and a horizontal roofline. According to the design team, the structure adapts to its natural, sloping surroundings. On its southeast side, the connection with the landscape along the sloped garden is enhanced by enclosing two voids with a curtain wall system.

The building’s custom multicolored ceramic tiling reflects the strong connection between the home and the landscape. Its colors, five shades of gray, green, and blue, represent the transitions in the landscape, such as the dune landscape to polder, along with the light-to-dark soil layers. The glaze of the tiles has a glossy and iridescent effect, creating a pearlescent appearance on the tiles.

All of the living spaces within are organized around the curtain wall-enclosed voids and an enclosed wood-clad core. The curtain wall provides transparency and daylight to the basement levels. 

In addition, the enclosed element feature that stretches from the basement to the hood of the building accommodates supporting functions. This is all completed by beautifully framed views of the surrounding countryside.