In the 22º Villa, water serves as the essential connecting element. Beyond its role as a bonding agent during the concrete pouring process, water shapes the way the villa is experienced and perceived. The villa’s design prominently features concrete, glass, and wood, which together form clean lines that interact smoothly and harmoniously with the ripples of the swimming pool. The contrast between the hardness of concrete, the warmth of elm wood, and the fluidity of water creates a cozy and inviting home atmosphere.
Situated on a small hill along the lush banks of the Meuse River, the villa enjoys a tranquil, rural setting. Its elongated design offers a secure environment where residents can seamlessly transition between privacy and openness, crafting a unique lifestyle. The name “22º Villa” is inspired by the building’s location on a 22º slope—coincidentally, the villa’s house number is also 22.
During construction, concrete was poured on-site with all pipes and equipment embedded within the concrete slabs. This approach fully harnesses the potential of concrete as a building material, showcasing the architectural features with pride. The projecting balcony highlights the strength and tension concrete can achieve. From the outside, the elegant villa appears as a natural extension of the hillside, blending effortlessly with its surroundings.
Inside, occupants are never far from the outdoors. The natural landscape is reflected through the large windows, enveloping the interior with nature even when indoors. The second-floor swimming pool is visible from the living room, resembling a massive aquarium. Its surface constantly reflects natural light, creating a living artwork that changes throughout the day and is enhanced by artificial lighting at night. The villa’s interior feels spacious and comfortable, offering stunning views of both the surrounding scenery and the building’s geometric design.
The 22º Villa embodies a meditative quality, reflected in both its interior design and the stunning natural surroundings. In the bedroom, the concrete surfaces reveal a silky texture, demonstrating the material’s full construction potential and aesthetic appeal. The interplay of water and concrete is central to the design; water not only hardens the concrete but also infuses the villa with a unique character. More than just an architectural element, water symbolizes life itself, making the 22º Villa a home designed to celebrate style, comfort, and the essence of living.
Night View
Project Drawings
▲ General layout plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ South elevation view
▲ North elevation view
▲ West elevation view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Project type: Independent residential building
Project location: Netherlands
Architectural firm: Dreessen Willemse Architecten
Area: 1,064 square meters
Year completed: 2018
Photographer: Hugo Thomassen
Manufacturers: Luceplan, Kone, Knoll, Nemetschek, Dedon, Trimble, B&B Italia
Design team: Lars Dreessen, Rob Willemse, Brian Kleikers, Leon Habets
Construction: Hendrix Bouw B.V., Stein NL
Concrete engineering: Hendrix Bouw B.V., Stein NL
Interior engineering: Typisch Hout B.V., Stein NL
Structural engineering: Palte B.V., Valkenburg NL
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