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Marhûs — Landscape House by Lichtstad Architecten on a Lake, Netherlands

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Modern wooden architecture of a house with contemporary design and eco-friendly materials, surrounded by green landscape and well-maintained garden

On the lakeside in Bornzwaag, the Marhûs house by architects Lichtstad Architecten looks like a sculpture and a sanctuary. Its name combines the Frisian words "mar" (lake) and "hûs" (house), highlighting a deep connection with the aquatic environment. Unobtrusive from the village side but striking from the lake shore, this house becomes a bridge between nature, craftsmanship, and light through its five slender volumes aligned with the view, orientation, and purpose.

Modern lake house Marhûs by Lichtstad Architecten in Bornzwaag with elongated wooden volumesPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Lake House Based on Craftsmanship, Context and Serenity

The house is anchored by two small piers, a reed bank, an adult garden, and a long pier. The house unfolds as a choreography of light, shadow, and reflection. From the village its profile is modest; from the lake it reveals itself confidently — an architectural dialogue between presence and restraint.

Marhûs — modest approach from the street made of wood and zincPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — elongated volumes directed toward the pier and lakePhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Spatial Logic and Form

The sequence of rooms leads you to the water. The framed view at the entrance guides into the social core, then to panoramic views of the garden, piers, and lake. From here the plan branches into guest rooms, rising living spaces, a waterside terrace, and an enclosed relaxation or sports area. Volumes change in length and height; the roof flows smoothly; facades are perforated with rhythmic slits that add depth and light play. Soft internal curves create smooth transitions instead of sharp edges.

Marhûs — layered thin volumes directed toward the waterPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — cut-out facade slits and covered terraces connecting inside and outsidePhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Materials, Craftsmanship and Light

Built entirely of cross-laminated timber (CLT), Marhûs combines structural clarity with warmth. The design hints at shipbuilding: roof curves resemble hull lines, and joints are precise and expressive. Externally, raw wood and zinc weather naturally, creating a balance of texture and smoothness while regulating light. Linear slits allow daylight to filter in, casting elegant shadows on interior surfaces.

Marhûs — raw wood cladding with zinc details weathering in placePhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — finished joints and soft curves reminiscent of traditional shipbuildingPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Eco-friendliness and Systems

The green roof enhances thermal comfort and softens the vertical profile; solar panels are integrated subtly on higher flat roofs. The house aspires to energy neutrality using bio-based and circular materials, a geothermal heat pump, breathable high-performance insulation, controlled facades for passive lighting, and durable finishes that age gracefully — architecture and ecology work together.

Marhûs — raw wooden and zinc surfaces aging in the lake landscapePhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — green roof with narrow facade slits regulating daylight and heatPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — internal light filtered through rhythmic facade slitsPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Feelings and Atmosphere of Life

Movement reveals new panoramas and changing angles — the interior, garden, and lake are in constant exchange. Volumes extend toward water, wings project outward; covered terraces become thresholds of life. From the street, the silhouette is modest and restrained, fitting the rural atmosphere. This dual identity — humble yet majestic — makes Marhûs a spatial journey based on context, craftsmanship, and the elemental life of light and water.

Marhûs — covered terraces on the lake shore connecting inside and pierPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — long facade facing the pier and reed bankPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotographyMarhûs — projecting wing forming a sheltered platform by the waterPhotos © Bas Gielshart | BASEphotography

Plans and Sections

Marhûs — first and second floor plan with social core and lake-facing roomsPlans – Drawings © Lichtstad ArchitectenMarhûs — roof plan showing green roof area and hidden solar panelsRoof Plan – Drawings © Lichtstad ArchitectenMarhûs — building section showing CLT structure, soft internal curves and waterside terracesSection – Drawings © Lichtstad ArchitectenMarhûs — facade detail with raw wood, zinc cladding and light slitsFacade Detail – Drawings © Lichtstad ArchitectenMarhûs — site plan showing two piers, pier, adult garden and dockSite Plan – Drawings © Lichtstad Architecten