Denkkamer’s holiday retreat in Dutch Wadden island
Located on a small park in the eastern inhabited Dutch Wadden island, Schiermonnikoog, the holiday retreat ‘Ferskûle’ by Denkkamer design group replaces the existing residential unit. Taking its name from the Frisian word meaning ‘hidden’, the residence nestles discreetly amongst rich greenery. Regulations on the island dictate a maximum gross building envelope of 110 sqm, leading to the design of the defined building structure within a compact site. The construction forms a conjunction of two solid volumes covered in yellow brickwork and penetrated by angular steel frames and glass windows. A gently sloping roof tops the frame merging it with its surroundings. The large corner windows cutting through the mass hold the main feature of the exterior while allowing open views from the interior retaining direct contact with the landscape.
Ferskûle by Denkkamer | all images by Stijn Poelstra
natural tones and gray finishes stay consistent throughout
The design by Dutch architectural practice Denkkamer follows a soft color palette consistently both in the outdoor facades and in the interior of the structure. While the exterior applies stone-like solid materials, the internal arrangement puts up warm natural tones and gray finishes along with the extensive use of wood in wall cladding and ceilings.
The horizontal cut in the facade raises a set of seating volumes and a workspace area that nestles in the recessed alcove benefitting from panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The layout, also, assembles a bay window and a sunken sitting room with a wood fireplace. The common areas are organized in the center of the house with the functions unfolding around a central cooking counter in the living-dining zone. The more private areas, such as the bedrooms enjoy views and sunlight through large skylights. The structure stands on an underground foundation protecting the light timber frame and creating several sunken seating pits in the basement of the holiday house.
