A Modern House in the Woods

“Everything in a house contributes to the feeling of well-being. That’s something I want to evoke in all my projects, including my own home.”
—Bertram Beerbaum

If you know where to look, deep in the woodlands near the town of Laren in North Holland, a most unusual house can be found. Nestled in the wilderness, almost obscured by spruce, birch, and fir trees, is a one-of-a-kind house in the woods. Branches and leaves cluster close to the low-rise timber building, which looks perfectly at home among the surrounding greenery—almost as though it has always been there.

The villa is the pet project of designer Bertram Beerbaum, co-owner and general manager of Dutch interior architecture firm Kabaz. When Beerbaum first came across the idyllic site, he found it well-suited as a family dwelling for himself and his teenage son.

“It’s definitely what I’d call my ‘dream home’,” Beerbaum says. “It’s set far back on the lot, so the house looks as though it has just appeared out of the woods—nature couldn’t be any closer. It’s a very pleasant place to be—you can feel it as soon as you drive through the gates.”

When Beerbaum purchased the site, he found there a thatched roof cottage that had been built in 1956. The small one-storey bungalow wasn’t quite what he had in mind for his longed-for home, so he toyed with the possibility of demolishing and starting again. In the end, he decided on an ambitious renovation—aided by his colleagues at Kabaz—that would preserve the rural spirit of the original structure.

“To me, the history of a house is a great starting point. I knew that I wanted to make the house substantially bigger and that I would have to expand a fair bit,” he says. “It took a lot of imagination.”

Letting the outside in

The result is a unique, meticulously planned home that artfully showcases the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Designed to bring in nature, the construction features vast glass walls and skylights that capture sunshine and views of the lush forest garden.

The home’s interior is set up with airy rooms and open-plan spaces. An earthy colour palette runs throughout in a wealth of natural materials, creating a sense of harmony with the villa’s forest setting. Large plants are found throughout, enhancing the indoor-outdoor feel. The effect is calming yet intimate, welcoming yet tranquil.

“I wanted to have a modest appearance and atmosphere because that’s what suits my personality. [At the same time] beautiful, luxurious materials were used to finish every detail. It’s a house where people can truly be together,” Beerbaum says.

The designer says the living room is his favourite place to relax or curl up with a book. “Because of the glass walls, you can enjoy the views of the garden side throughout the seasons,” he says.

Craft details

Beerbaum drew on his expert knowledge of the design sphere to furnish the villa. This involved the commission of a significant number of pieces, including the cupboard walls in the bedroom and bathroom, of which he is particularly proud. The walls are crafted from an intricate assembly of narrow wood strips, with each strip covered in suede and set off by horn cabinet handles.

“I like to have elements in my home that create conversation,” Beerbaum says. “Surprising details can be found all over the house, especially when it comes to technology and gadgets. There’s a television that sinks into the furniture, and also a James Bond-like door. By turning the side table with mirror, you gain access to the villa extension.”

Italian-made furniture specialist Flexform provided a Lifesteel sofa and Tessa armchairs for the living room, both designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio. A pair of soft leather Boss armchairs are placed next to one of the expansive windows, creating a comfortable environment for contemplating nature.

“Everything in a house contributes to the feeling of well-being,” says Beerbaum. “That’s something I want to evoke in all my projects, including my own home.”

That said, there can be drawbacks involved in the process of creating this ideal home—something that Beerbaum readily admits.

“I was the toughest customer—and I’m convinced that everyone in my company would agree,” he says. “I’m always looking for my own identity, and it was a huge challenge to fully translate my vision into this house. Making choices for your own home isn’t always as easy as it seems.”

Despite the lengthy process, the renovation is now complete, and Beerbaum and his son are happy and settled at the forest villa. Highlights of their new lifestyle include cozy movie sessions and enjoying supper with friends in the open-plan kitchen—although it’s the gorgeous natural views that continue to capture the designer’s imagination.

“When you look outside, it’s as if you find yourself in a breathtaking painting,” Beerbaum says.