This Minimalist Holiday Home Will Get You Back in Touch With Nature
Every now and then, city life becomes just a bit too much to handle, doesn’t it? You start to dream about heading out into the wilderness and living like a survivalist. Or, OK, fine, maybe not a survivalist exactly, because bears and whatnot. You just want to be surrounded by lush landscapes far removed from the prying eyes and overhead footsteps of neighbours. That’s where House Rheder comes in.
Located directly above the banks of the river Nethe in Dusseldorf, Germany, it’s a full-scale renovation of a 1950s holiday home. And by “full-scale,” we mean only a floor slab and a terrace over the water were retained from the original structure. What now stands in its place is a light and elegant structure that meshes effortlessly with the rich greenery surrounding it.
A floor-to-ceiling sliding partition opens the living area out to the terrace, where the same natural materials from the indoor flooring run out. The result is a larger-feeling space both inside and out, in which the vegetation from the East-Westphalian landscape manages to add to the ambience without overwhelming it.
At just under 1,000 square feet, House Rheder avoids feeling cramped through its carefully curated minimalist decor.
Given its proximity to nature, sustainability was an important factor in the house’s design. An air heat pump filters efficient energy throughout the home.
A small fireplace sits as a focal point in the living room, encouraging the home’s inhabitants to gather around on a cool night. A reflection pool is situated nearby outside, projecting the sun’s rays off its own surface and into the home.
It all adds up to something of a treehouse for adults, the perfect place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.
IMAGES: SILVERHOUSE / V2COM
