WillemsenU has designed The House Under the Ground in the Netherlands.

Tucked away along a remote country lane, this house hides the natural landscape rather than disrupting it. Nested in a protected nature reserve, the design carefully adheres to strict zoning requirements while offering a stunning and unexpected retreat for its busy owners.

By lowering a portion of the structure into the ground and blending it with the surrounding hill, the house remains concealed from public view. Inside, large glass openings allow natural light to flood the interior, and a glass platform lift makes it wheelchair-accessible and future-proof.

By creating a curved shape, the studio was able to limit the height above ground. The arch pushes the house into the ground on one side and creates a ceiling for the living area on the higher side, with the staircase and void below.

This project has been longlisted in the rural house category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: WillemsenU
Project: The House Under the Ground
Credits: Van de Laar Building Construction Consultancy, Nelissen Installation Engineering Consultancy,  BurgtBouw Building Contractor, Bert Huls and Lichtmeesters.