In the open landscape of Overijssel, a contemporary farmhouse emerged, a design in which tradition and modernity enhance one another. On the site of a former garden centre with greenhouses, AL Architects created a cohesive architectural composition that honours the agricultural past while embracing modern living comfort.
The main volume, featuring refined brickwork and a thatched roof, forms the heart of the residence. Through a meticulously detailed connecting element in Marugame black-charred wood, it is linked to the outbuilding. This dark accent brings balance to the overall composition and subtly refers to the barn-like character of the rural setting. The texture and depth of the charred wood add warmth and layered richness, creating a natural transition between old and new.
Inside, generous sightlines, tall glass façades and a sculptural brick staircase ensure a spatial experience of light and connection. Below ground, a luxurious basement houses a wellness area, cinema, bar and wine room, a world of calm and comfort, executed with the same attention to materiality and detail as above ground.
The outdoor spaces merge seamlessly with the interior. A sunken terrace, sleek swimming pool and carefully designed landscaping strengthen the dialogue between living and landscape. The black wooden volumes anchor the composition within its surroundings, bringing rhythm, balance and serenity.
In collaboration with AL Architects and the construction partners, Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban contributed significantly to the material expression of this project; a farmhouse with character, where traditional craftsmanship and contemporary elegance come together.
The “Paradox.” Burning wood to protect it.
It sounds contradictory — but it’s brilliant.
At ORGA, we’re big fans of biobased materials that truly prove their worth. Take our collaboration with Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, for example. By charring wood using the centuries-old Shou Sugi Ban technique, a natural protective layer is created — without the need for paint or chemicals.
The result is a façade with character, built to last for generations. In the three recent projects, we’ve seen how it creates a robust, timeless appearance, while simultaneously contributing to refined, high-quality architecture.
Less maintenance, and a building that only becomes more beautiful with age.
That, to us, is what truly future-proof design looks like.
“We recently replaced the potted decked timber on our farmhouse in the Beemster region with Shodoshima semi-gloss from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban. With special planks 25 cm wide, it looks great on a farmhouse. A very beautiful product and great service from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban!”
”We chose Yoroi for several reasons. First of all, we like the Japanese classical technique used for burning the bamboo. Due to the burning technique Shou Sugi Ban, Yoroi has a fire class B and is maintenance-free. Finally, the black charred bamboo is a regrowable material and aesthetically matches our design perfectly.”
”As a gardener, it is an honour to work with such beautiful traditional products.
The delivery times are also great and you get friendly service.”
We have put together two Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban sample boxes: one for interior design applications and one for façade cladding.
That way, you can experience the attention, care and love we pour into each piece of wood yourself. And, of course, the beauty and exclusive looks the various textures have to offer.
