Hill House by 123DV

The Netherlands-based practice 123DV have designed a drive-in hillside home in The Hague. The home is partly buried in the hill and is located in a residential neighborhood, among classical and exuberant villas. Here is a description from the architects, “The clients wanted to live on three separate levels. They also wanted an abstract, modern, smooth design. The plateaus descend in stages: a bedroom area, a kitchen and dining area, and a living area. The entrance to the house, a concealed second living-room, a fitness room, and the storage area, are underground. The timbered bottom floor functions as an ample canopy beneath which two cars can be parked.

Lines of sight are a recurrent theme in 123DV’s designs. Thus, it is possible to look far into the distance from unexpected places. From the staircase, for instance, towards the light. This creates a sense of spaciousness, although the building itself is fairly compact. To separate the living area from the kitchen, while preserving an open atmosphere, it was decided to introduce a fireplace. It is an unexpectedly bold element, not overly integrated into the surroundings, and precisely for that reason it becomes the center of the space.”

Photography: Christian Richters