A Sustainable Home with a Contemporary Soul in a Traditional Village

The Simmerhûs is a self-willed, fully sustainable house that fits naturally into the traditional village setting of Hoorn on the Wadden Island of Terschelling. Commissioned by cultural entrepreneur Anne van der Zwaag and her husband Mark van Rossem, the home reflects their vision of blending modern sustainability with local heritage.

For the design, the couple chose Team V Architecture, known mostly for large-scale projects, making this a surprising but inspired choice. For the first time, design studio Kranen/Gille took on the entire interior, resulting in a truly unique home.

The Simmerhûs respects the past while expressing a contemporary style. Its minimalist interior draws from Japanese and Scandinavian influences, featuring light, modular wooden furniture and bright spaces thanks to oversized windows and doors. The rooms are practical and fresh, with built-in bed platforms, sleek cabinetry, clever storage, and cozy bench seating.

Traditional island farm-shed shutters add character, blending perfectly with the home’s burnished (shou sugi ban) exterior wood façade when closed. Inside, wild pine veneer and ash create a warm atmosphere, while tall windows and varied sightlines make the 75 m² space feel open and inviting.

Custom-made by Vreeker B.V., the interior design balances playful creativity with function. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the home is minimalist and serene but carries the adventurous signature style of Kranen/Gille.

Despite its modest size, Simmerhûs comfortably accommodates up to six people, making it an exceptional example of thoughtful, sustainable living in harmony with tradition.