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A Dutch Home Gets a Straw Cover for Peace and Tranquility

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Architect Arjen Reas designed this straw roofed dwelling at the edge of the city in the Netherlands.

The client, an entrepreneur in the city, gave the architects a brief – he wanted “peace”.

While the interiors are as modern and solid as any commercial infrastructure, much of the exterior is traditional haystack.

Huge, thick straw envelops the house in its utter silence.

A Dutch tradition of simplicity, durability and expression informs the interiors.

The natural white plaster interior successfully combines natural materials creating a certain tranquility in each room.

The thick and compact haystack roof covering also gives the ultimate in thermal protection against the elements.

Deep within the house, on a cold Scandinavian night, the blazing hot bath and shower room is an inviting retreat.

High in the hayloft attic roof, a bedroom is well insulated against cold and noise.

The house is very modern and traditional at the same time.

In earlier times people here used to work with shapes for houses that were pure and plain.

The architect has successfully fused the pure and plain traditions of Dutch architecture with a clean-lined and modern home.