Foxhole
Foxhole is a minimal residence located in Abcoude, The Netherlands, designed by Studio Vincent Architecture. Designed as two distinct volumes—the main house and a smaller entrance building—the project creates a private courtyard that mediates the transition from public to private realms. The entrance structure, entirely enclosed, contrasts with the main house’s open connection to the secluded garden, achieved through large pivoting doors that face the street. The residence is set back from both the main road and a small waterway, creating a spacious entryway that transitions seamlessly into the home.
Positioned at the edge of the residential development, the house capitalizes on its location to invite natural light into its interiors, particularly at sunset. The interior layout prioritizes functionality and spatial fluidity. On the ground floor, traditional walls are replaced by a central all-sided cabinet that delineates spaces while maintaining an open flow. The kitchen, strategically positioned at the heart of the living area, anchors the design, offering an unobstructed view from the entry. Adjacent dining and living spaces feature sliding glass doors that open directly to the garden, blending the indoors with the outdoors. The upper level showcases a striking roof structure and custom-built furniture designed to optimize storage and maintain visual harmony.
Materials and finishes are thoughtfully aligned with human-scale proportions, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimate. The roof’s design further enhances this impression, bathing the rooms in natural light and maximizing spatial efficiency. Energy efficiency plays a central role in the home’s design. Enhanced thermal insulation, a heat pump system, localized air conditioning, and heat recovery ventilation work in unison to ensure comfort with minimal energy consumption. The house is powered by 26 flush-mounted solar panels, which generate surplus energy. Strategic window placements minimize heat infiltration and loss, while framing picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.